Process for the synthesis of amine ethers from secondary amino oxides

ABSTRACT

An amine ether of formula (A) wherein a is 1 or 2; and when a is 1, E is E′; when a is 2, E is L; E′ is C 1 -C 36  alkyl; C 3 -C 18  alkenyl; C 2 -C 18  alkinyl; C 5 -C 18  cycloalkyl; C 5 -C 18  cycloalkenyl; a radical of a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon of 7 to 12 carbon atoms; C 2 -C 7 alkyl or C 3 -C 7 alkenyl substituted by halogen; C 7 -C 15 aralkyl or C 7 -C 15  aralkyl substituted by C 1 -C 4  alkyl or phenyl; or E′ is a radical of formula (VII) as explained in claim 1; T′ is tertiary C 4 -C 18 alkyl or phenyl, each of which are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, OH, COOR 21  or C(O)—R 22 ; or T′ is C 5 -C 12 cycloalkyl; C 5 -C 12 cacloalkyl which is interrupted by at least one O or —NR 18 —; a polycyclic alkyl radical having 7-18 carbon atoms, or the same radical which is interrupted by at least one O or —NR 18 —; or T′ is —C(G 1 )(G 2 )—T″; or C 1 -C 18 alkyl or C 5 -C 12 cycloalkyl substituted by F(I)T″ is hydrogen, halogen, NO 2 , cyano, or is a monovalent organic radical comprising 1-50 carbon atoms; or T″ and T′ together form a divalent organic linking group completing, together with the hindered amine nitrogen atom and the quaternary carbon atom substituted by G 1  and G 2 , an optionally substituted five- or six-membered ring structure; and all other residues are as defined in claim 1, are obtained in good yield from the corresponding N-oxyl hindered amine precursor by reaction with a hydrocarbon E 1 —H or H—L—H in the presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic amount of copper or a copper compound. The products of present process find utility as polymerization regulators and/or light stabilizers for organic material

The instant invention pertains to a process for preparing amine ethers, e.g. N-hydrocarbyloxy substituted hindered amine compounds, by the reaction of the corresponding N-oxyl intermediate with a hydrocarbon in presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a copper catalyst, and some novel compounds obtainable by this process. The compounds made by the instant process are particularly effective in the stabilization of polymer compositions against harmful effects of light, oxygen and/or heat; they are also useful as initiators or regulators for radical polymerization processes which provide homopolymers, random copolymers, block copolymers, multiblock copolymers, graft copolymers and the like, at enhanced rates of polymerization and enhanced monomer to polymer conversions.

4-Hydroxy-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine and 4-oxo-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine are described as scavengers for some carbon centered radicals (S. Nigam et al., J. Chem. Soc., Trans. Faraday Soc., 1976, (72), 2324 and by K.-D. Asmus et al., Int. J. Radiat. Biol., 1976, (29), 211).

D. H. R. Barton et al., Tetrahedron, 1996, (52), 10301 describe the formation of some N-alkoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine derivatives in the reaction of hydrocarbons with iron(II) and iron(III) species, hydrogen peroxide and various coadditives in the presence of N-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMPO).

U.S. Pat. No 5,374,729 describes a process for the preparation of N-methoxy derivatives of hindered amines from the reaction of the corresponding N-oxyl compound with methyl radicals produced from dimethyl sulfoxide by decomposing aqueous hydrogen peroxide in presence of a metal salt or by thermal decomposition of di-tert.butyl peroxide.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,962 describes a process for the formation of N-hydrocarbyloxy derivatives of sterically hindered amines in which a hindered amine or N-oxyl substituted hindered amine is reacted with a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a hydroperoxide and a molybdenum catalyst.

It has now been found that N-hydrocarbyloxy substituted sterically hindered amines can most suitably be prepared from the N-oxyl intermediate and a hydrocarbon in presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a copper catalyst. The process of the invention uses only catalytic quantities of copper and does not require high temperatures.

Thus, present invention pertains to a process for the preparation of an amine ether of the formula A

wherein

-   a is 1 or 2; -   when a is 1, E is E′ -   when a is 2, E is L; -   E′ is C₁-C₃₆ alkyl; C₃-C₁₈ alkenyl; C₂-C₁₈ alkinyl; C₅-C₁₈     cycloalkyl; C₅-C₁₈ cycloalkenyl; a radical of a saturated or     unsaturated aliphatic bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon of 7 to 12     carbon atoms; C₂-C₇alkyl or C₃-C₇alkenyl substituted by halogen,     C₁-C₈alkoxy or phenoxy; C₄-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl;     C₄-C₁₂heterocycloalkenyl; C₇-C₅ aralkyl or C₄-C₁₂heteroaralkyl, each     of which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁-C₄ alkyl or phenyl;     or E′ is a radical of formula (VII) or (VIII) -   Ar is C₆-C₁₀aryl or C₅-C₉heteroaryl; -   X is phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, which are substituted by 1, 2, 3     or 4 D and optionally further substituted by NO₂, halogen, amino,     hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio,     C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; -   D is a group     a group C(O)—G₁₃ or a group C(O)—G₉—C(O)—G₁₃; -   G₁ and G₂, independently of each other, are hydrogen, halogen, NO₂,     cyano, —CONR₅R₆, —(R₉)COOR₄, —C(O)—R₇, —OR₈, —SR₈, —NHR₈, —N(R₁₈)₂₁     carbamoyl, di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)carbamoyl, —C(═NR₅)(NHR₆), C₁-C₁₈alkyl;     C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or     C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or     C₃-C₁₈alkinyl or C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or     C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl substituted by OH, halogen, NO₂, amino,     cyano, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R_(22,) C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio,     C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino or a group —O—C(O)—R₇;     C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅     group; or are C₆-C₁₀aryl; or phenyl or naphthyl which are     substituted by C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, halogen,     cyano, hydroxy, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R₂₂, C₁-C₄alkylamino or     di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; or G₁ and G₂ together with the linking carbon     atom form a C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; -   G₅ and G₆ are independently of each other H or CH₃; -   G₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; -   G₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; -   G₁₄ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, an acyl radical of an     aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid     containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of a cycloaliphatic     carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, or acyl     radical of an aromatic acid containing 7 to 15 carbon atoms; -   G₅₅ is H, CH₃ or phenyl; -   G₆₆ is —CN or a group of the formula —COOR₄ or —CONR₅R₆ or     —CH₂—O—G₁₄; -   L is alkylene of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene of 5 to 8     carbon atoms, cycloalkenylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylene of     3 to 18 carbon atoms, alkylene of 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted     by phenyl or by phenyl substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms;     or is alkylene of 4 to 18 carbon atoms interrupted by COO and/or     phenylene; -   T′ is tertiary C₄-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl, each of which are     unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, OH, COOR₂₁ or C(O)—R₂₂; or     T′ is C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl which is interrupted by at     least one O or —NR₁₈—; a polycyclic alkyl radical having 7-18 carbon     atoms, or the same radical which is interrupted by at least one O or     —NR₁₈—; or T′ is —C(G₁)(G₂)—T″; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl     substituted by -   T″ is hydrogen, halogen, NO₂, cyano, or is a monovalent organic     radical comprising 1-50 carbon atoms; -   or T″ and T′ together form a divalent organic linking group     completing, together with the hindered amine nitrogen atom and the     quaternary carbon atom substituted by G₁ and G₂, an optionally     substituted five- or six-membered ring structure; and -   R₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, phenyl, an alkali metal cation or a     tetraalkylammonium cation; -   R₅ and R₆ are hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is     substituted by hydroxy or, taken together, form a C₂-C₁₂alkylene     bridge or a C₂-C₁₂-alkylene bridge interrupted by O or/and NR₁₈; -   R₇ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₆-C₁₀aryl; -   R₈ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₂-C₁₈hydroxyalkyl; -   R₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; -   R₁₈ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl, which are unsubstituted or substituted     by halogen, OH, COOR₂₁ or C(O)—R₂₂; -   R₂₁ is hydrogen, a alkali metal atom or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; and -   R₂₂ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl;     which process comprises     -   reacting a N-oxyl amine of formula B         with a compound of formula IV or V         E′—H  (IV)         H—L—H  (V)         in the presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic         amount of copper or a copper compound.

Preferred is a process for the synthesis of an- amine ether of formula A

wherein

-   a is 1 or 2; -   when a is 1, E is E′ -   when a is 2, E is L; -   E′ is C₁-C₃₆ alkyl; C₃-C₁₈ alkenyl; C₂-C₁₈ alkinyl; C₅-C₁₈     cycloalkyl; C₅-C₁₈ cycloalkenyl; a radical of a saturated or     unsaturated aliphatic bicyclic or tricyclic hydrocarbon of 7 to 12     carbon atoms; C₂-C₇alkyl or C₃-C₇alkenyl substituted by halogen;     C₇-C₁₅ aralkyl or C₇-C₁₅ aralkyl substituted by C₁-C₄ alkyl or     phenyl; or E′ is a radical of formula (VII) -   X is phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, which are substituted by 1, 2, 3     or 4 D and optionally further substituted by NO₂, halogen, amino,     hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio,     C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; -   D is a group     a group C(O)—G₁₃ or a group C(O)—G₉—C(O)—G₁₃; -   G₁ and G₂, independently of each other, are hydrogen, halogen, NO₂,     cyano, —CONR₅R₆—(R₉)COOR₄, —C(O)—R₇, —OR₈, —SR₈, —NHR₈, —N(R₁₈)₂,     carbamoyl, di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)carbamoyl, —C(═NR₅)(NHR₆), C₁-C₁₈alkyl;     C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or     C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or     C₃-C₁₈alkinyl or C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or     C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl substituted by OH, halogen, NO₂, amino,     cyano, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R₂₂, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio,     C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino or a group —O—C(O)—R₇;     C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅     group; or are C₆-C₁₀aryl; or phenyl or naphthyl which are     substituted by C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, halogen,     cyano, hydroxy, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R₂₂, C₁-C₄alkylamino or     di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; or G₁ and G₂ together with the linking carbon     atom form a C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; -   G₅ and G₆ are independently of each other H or CH₃; -   G₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; -   G₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; -   L is alkylene of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene of 5 to 8     carbon atoms, cycloalkenylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylene of     3 to 18 carbon atoms, alkylene of 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted     by phenyl or by phenyl substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; -   T′ is tertiary C₄-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl, each of which are     unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, OH, COOR₂, or C(O)—R₂₂; or     T′ is C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl which is interrupted by at     least one O or —NR₁₈—; a polycyclic alkyl radical having 7-18 carbon     atoms, or the same radical which is interrupted by at least one O or     —NR₁₈—; or T′ is —C(G₁)(G₂)—T″; or C₁-C₁₈alkyl     or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl substituted by -   T″ is hydrogen, halogen, NO₂, cyano, or is a monovalent organic     radical comprising 1-50 carbon atoms; -   or T″ and T′ together form a divalent organic linking group     completing, together with the hindered amine nitrogen atom and the     quaternary carbon atom substituted by G₁ and G₂, an optionally     substituted five- or six-membered ring structure; and -   R₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, phenyl, an alkali metal cation or a     tetraalkylammonium cation; -   R₅ and R₆ are hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is     substituted by hydroxy or, taken together, form a C₂-C₁₂alkylene     bridge or a C₂-C₁₂-alkylene bridge interrupted by O or/and NR₁₈; -   R₇ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₆-C₁₀aryl; -   R₈ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₂-C₁₈hydroxyalkyl; -   R₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; -   R₁₈ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl, which are unsubstituted or substituted     by halogen, OH, COOR₂₁, or C(O)—R₂₂; -   R₂₁ is hydrogen, a alkali metal atom or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; and -   R₂₂ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl;     which process comprises     -   reacting a N-oxyl amine of formula B         with a hydrocarbon of formula IV or V         E′—H  (IV)         H—L—H  (V)         in the presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic         amount of copper or a copper compound.

In particular, present invention pertains to a process for the synthesis of a hindered amine of formula I or II

wherein

-   G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄ independently of each other are C₁-C₁₈alkyl;     C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or     C₃-C₁₈alkinyl substituted by OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R₅;     C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅     group; or are C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl; or C₆-C₁₀aryl; or G₁ and G₂ and/or     G₃ and G₄ together with the linking carbon atom form a     C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; -   a is 1 or 2; -   when a is 1, E is E′, wherein E′ is C₁-C₃₆ alkyl; C₂-C₁₈alkenyl;     C₂-C₁₈ alkinyl; C₅-C₁₈ cycloalkyl; C₅-C₁₈ cycloalkenyl; a radical of     a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic bicyclic or tricyclic     hydrocarbon of 7 to 12 carbon atoms; C₂-C₇alkyl or C₃-C₇alkenyl     substituted by halogen; C₇-C₁₅ aralkyl or C₇-C₁₅ aralkyl substituted     by C₁-C₄ alkyl or phenyl; or E′ is a radical of formula (VII) -   X is phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, which are substituted by 1, 2, 3     or 4 D and optionally further substituted by NO₂, halogen, amino,     hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio,     C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; -   D is a group     a group C(O)—G₁₃ or a group C(O)—G₉—C(O)—G₁₃; -   when a is 2, E is L; -   G₅ and G₆ are independently of each other H or CH₃; -   G₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; -   G₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; -   L is alkylene of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene of 5 to 8     carbon atoms, cycloalkenylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylene of     3 to 18 carbon atoms, alkylene of 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted     by phenyl or by phenyl substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; -   T is a divalent organic radical required to complete formula I to     form, together with the hindered amine nitrogen atom and the two     quaternary carbon atoms substituted by G₁ and G₂ or G₃ and G₄, a     five- or six-membered ring structure; -   T₁ is hydrogen, halogen, NO₂, cyano, —(R₉)COOR₄, —(R₉)C(O)—R₇, —OR₈,     unsubstituted C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₂-C₁₈alkenyl, C₂-C₁₈alkynyl,     C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl; or T₁     is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₂-C₁₈alkenyl, C₂-C₁₈ alkynyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl,     C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl, which is substituted by     NO₂, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C₁-C₆alkanoyl, C₁-C₁₂alkoxy;     or phenyl, naphthyl, which are unsubstituted or substituted by     C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, halogen, cyano, hydroxy,     carboxy; or -   T₁ is a residue —CH₂—O—R₁₀ or —CH₂—NR₁₈—R₁₀ or —C(═CH₂)—R₁₁ or     —C(═O)—R₁₂; -   T₂ is tertiary C₄-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl, which are unsubstituted or     substituted by halogen, OH, COOR₂₁ or C(O)—R₂₂; or T₂ is     C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl which is interrupted by at least     one O; a polycyclic alkyl radical having 7-18 carbon atoms or the     same radical which is interrupted by at least one O atom; or T₂ is     —C(G₁)(G₂)—T₁; or -   R₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, phenyl, an alkali metal cation or a     tetraalkylammonium cation; -   R₅ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₆-C₁₀aryl -   R₇ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl; -   R₈ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₂-C₁₈hydroxyalkyl; -   R₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; -   R₁₀ is hydrogen, formyl, C₂-C₁₈alkylcarbonyl, benzoyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl,     C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl interrupted by O or NR₁₈, or is     benzyl or phenyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen,     OH, COOR₂₁ or C(O)—R₂₂; -   R₁₁ is OH, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, benzyloxy, O—C(O)—(C₁-C₁₈)alkyl, N(R₁₈)₂,     or a group C(O)R₂₅; -   R₁₂ is OH, O(alkali-metal), C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, benzyloxy, N(R₁₈)₂; -   R₁₈ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₂-C₁₈hydroxyalkyl; -   R₂₁ is hydrogen, a alkali metal atom or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; and -   R₂₂ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; -   R₂₅ is OH, C₁-C₁₈alkoxy, benzyloxy, N(R₁₈)₂;     which process comprises     reacting a N-oxyl hindered amine of formula III or IIIa     with a hydrocarbon of formula IV or V     E′—H  (IV)     H—L—H  (V)     in the presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic amount     of copper or a copper compound.

In the context of the description of the present invention, the term alkyl comprises, for example, methyl, ethyl and the isomers of propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl and dodecyl. Examples of aryl-substituted alkyl (aralkyl) are benzyl, α-methylbenzyl or cumyl. Examples of alkoxy are methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, octyloxy etc.. Examples of alkenyl are vinyl and especially allyl. Examples of alkylene including alkylidene are ethylene, n-propylene or 1,2-propylene.

Some examples of cycloalkyl are cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclopentyl, dimethylcyclopentyl and methylcyclohexyl.

Examples of aryl are phenyl and naphthyl. Examples of substituted aryl are methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-, methoxy- or phenyl-substituted phenyl.

Some examples of an aliphatic carboxylic acid are acetic, propionic, butyric, stearic acid. An example of a cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid is cyclohexanoic acid. An example of an aromatic carboxylic acid is benzoic acid. An example of a phosphorus-containing acid is methylphosphonic acid. An example of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid is malonyl, maleoyl or succinyl, or sebacic acid. An example of a residue of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid is phthaloyl.

A group heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl embraces one or two heteroatoms, and a group heteroaryl from one to four heteroatoms, the heteroatoms being preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. Some examples of heterocycloalkyl are tetrahydrofuryl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl and tetrahydrothienyl. Some examples of heteroaryl are furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyridyl and pyrimidinyl. C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl is typically oxirane, 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, γ-butyrolactone, ε-caprolactam, oxirane, aziridine, diaziridine, pyrrole, pyrrolidine, thiophen, furan, pyrazole, imidazole, oxazole, oxazolidine, thiazole, pyran, thiopyran, piperidine or morpholine.

An example of a monovalent silyl radical is trimethylsilyl.

Polycyclic alkyl radicals which may also be interrupted by at least one oxygen or nitrogen atom are for example adamantane, cubane, twistane, norbomane, bycyclo[2.2.2]octane bycyclo[3.2.1]octane, hexamethylentetramine (urotropine) or a group

Acyl radicals of monocarboxylic acids are, within the definitions, a residue of the formula —CO—R″, wherein R″ may stand inter alia for an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or aryl radical as defined. Preferred acyl radicals include acetyl, benzoyl, acryloyl, methacryloyl, propionyl, butyryl, valeroyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl, octanoyl, nonanoyl, decanoyl, undecanoyl, dodecanoyl, pentadecanoyl, stearoyl. Polyacyl radicals of polyvalent acids are of the formula (—CO)_(n)—R″, wherein n is the valency, e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. Some preferred examples for such residues are given elsewhere.

In preferred products of the instant process, E′ is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂-aryl,

—CH₂—CH₂-aryl,

(C₅-C₆cycloalkyl)₂CCN, (C₁-C₁₂alkyl)₂CCN, —CH₂CH═CH₂, (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—(C₆-C₁₀)aryl, (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—(C₁-C₁₂)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)-phenoxy, (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—N-di(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—CO—NH(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—CO—NH₂, —CH₂CH═CH—CH₃, —CH₂—C(CH₃)═CH₂, —CH₂—CH═CH-phenyl,

(C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—CN,

-   R₃₀ is hydrogen or C₁-C₁₂alkyl; -   the aryl groups are phenyl or naphthyl, which are unsubstituted or     substituted with C₁-C₁₂alkyl, halogen, C₁-C₁₂alkoxy, formyl,     C₂-C₁₂alkylcarbonyl, glycidyloxy, OH, —COOH or —COOC₁-C₁₂alkyl .     More preferably E′ is selected from the group consisting of     —CH₂-phenyl, CH₃CH-phenyl, (CH₃)₂C-phenyl, (C₅-C₆cycloalkyl)₂CCN,     (CH₃)₂CCN, —CH₂CH═CH₂, CH₃CH—CH═CH₂ (C₁-C₈alkyl)CR₃₀—C(O)-phenyl,     (C₁-C₈)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—(C₁-C₈)alkoxy,     (C₁-C₈)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—(C₁-C₈)alkyl,     (C₁-C₈)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—N-di(C₁-C₈)alkyl,     (C₁-C₈)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—NH(C₁-C₈)alkyl, (C₁-C₈)alkyl-CR₃₀—C(O)—NH₂,     (C₁-C₁₂)alkyl-CR₃₀—CN, wherein R₃₀ is hydrogen or (C₁-C₈)alkyl.

G₁ and G₂ and/or G₃ and G₄ forming, together with the linking carbon atom, a C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical, preferably form a C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical, especially cyclopentylene, cyclohexylene or cycloheptylene.

G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄ independently are preferably alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or the adjacent radicals G₁ and G₂ and/or G₃ and G₄ together are pentamethylene. More preferably, G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄ independently are methyl or ethyl or propyl, especially methyl or ethyl. In the products most preferred, G₁ and G₃ are each methyl while G₂ and G₄ independently are methyl, ethyl or propyl.

T usually is an organic linking group containing 2-500 carbon atoms and forming, together with the carbon atoms it is directly connected to and the nitrogen atom, a substituted, 5-, 6 or 7-membered cyclic ring structure; T is preferably a C₂-C₅₀₀hydrocarbon optionally containing 1-200 hetero atoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon and halogen, T therein can be part of a 6-membered cyclic ring structure. More preferably, T is an organic linking group of the formula

-   E₂ is —CO— or —(CH₂)_(b)—, while b is 0, 1 or 2; -   E₁ is a carbon atom carrying the two residues R₂₄ and R₂₅, or is     >N—R₂₅, or is oxygen, and R₂₄ and R₂₅ are hydrogen or an organic     residue, characterized in that the linking group T in total contains     2-500 carbon atoms and forms, together with the carbon atoms it is     directly connected to it and the nitrogen atom, a substituted, 5-, 6     or 7-membered cyclic ring structure, or wherein R₂₄ and R₂₅ together     are ═O or wherein R₂₄ is hydrogen and R₂₅ is hydrogen or hydroxy. T     is most preferably 2-hydroxy-1,3-propanediyl or     2-oxo-1,3-propanediyl.

Preferred products of the formula (I) are those wherein G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄, independently of each other, are methyl, ethyl, phenyl or COOR₄;

-   E is a carbon centered radical formed from a C₇-C₁₁phenylalkane or a     C₆-C₁₀pyridylalkane; or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkane; or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkene; or     an oxacyclohexane or oxycyclohexene; or C₃-C₈alkene; or C₃-C₈alkene     substituted by phenoxy; or a benzene which is substituted by     C₁-C₄alkyl and a further substituent selected from C₁-C₄alkoxy,     glycidyl or glycidyloxy; or E is a radical of formula (VIII) -   Ar is C₆-C₁₀aryl or C₅-C₉heteroaryl; -   G₁₄ is C₁-C₄alkyl or an acyl radical of an aliphatic carboxylic acid     containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms or benzoyl; -   G₅₅ is H, CH₃ or phenyl; -   G₆₆ is —CN or a group of the formula —COOR₄ or —CH₂—O—G₁₄; -   R₄ is hydrogen or C₁-C₈alkyl; -   L is a carbon centered radical formed from propane, butane, pentane,     2,2-dimethyl-propane, xylene; and -   T is phenylene or an organic linking group of the formula -   E₂ is —CO— or —(CH₂)_(b)-, while b is 0, 1 or 2; -   E₁ is a carbon atom carrying the two residues R₂₄ and R₂₅, or is     >N—R₂₅, or is oxygen, and R₂₄ and R₂₅ are hydrogen or an organic     residue, characterized in that the linking group T in total contains     2-500 carbon atoms and forms, together with the carbon atoms it is     directly connected to it and the nitrogen atom, a substituted, 5-, 6     or 7-membered cyclic ring structure, or wherein R₂₄ and R₂₅ together     are ═O or wherein R₂₄ is hydrogen and R₂₅ is hydrogen or hydroxy; -   or E₁ and E₂ together are 1,2-phenylene.

The product of formula A most preferably corresponds to one of the formulae

wherein

-   G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄ independently of each other are C₁-C₁₈alkyl;     C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or     C₃-C₁₈alkinyl substituted by OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R₅;     C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by O; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl; or phenyl;     or G₁ and G₂ and/or G₃ and G₄ together with the linking carbon atom     form a C₆-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; -   Z₁ is O or NR₈; -   R₈ is hydrogen, OH, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₃-C₁₈alkenyl, C₃-C₁₈alkinyl,     C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₃-C₁₈alkenyl, C₃-C₁₈alkinyl which are substituted by     one or more OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R₅, C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is     interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅ group,     C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₆-C₁₀aryl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₅-C₁₀heteroaryl,     —C(O)—C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —O—C₁-C₁₈alkyl or —COOC₁-C₁₈alkyl; -   Q is a direct bond or a divalent radical CR₉R₁₀, CR₉R₁₀—CR₁₁R₁₂,     CR₉R₁₀CR₁₁R₁₂CR₁₃R₁₄, C(O) or CR₉R₁₀C(O); -   R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently hydrogen, phenyl,     or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; -   T is CH₂—C(R₂₄)(R₂₅)—CH₂, wherein R₂₄ and R₂₅ together are ═O or     independently are H, OH or an organic residue, characterized in that     the linking group T in total contains 2-500 carbon atoms and     optionally 1-200 hetero atoms selected from, oxygen, phosphorus,     sulfur, silicon, halogen and tertiary nitrogen. The N-oxyl educts of     formulae B, III or IIIa are mostly known in the art; they may be     prepared e.g. by the reaction of the corresponding N—H hindered     amine with hydrogen peroxide and sodium tungstate as described     by E. G. Rozantsev et al., in Synthesis, 1971, 192; or with     tert-butyl hydroperoxide and molybdenum (VI) as taught in U.S. Pat.     No. 4,691,015, or obtained in analogous manner.

The preferred amount of hydrocarbon for the instant process depends to some extent on the relative number of reactive hydrogens on the hydrocarbon reactant and the hindered amine nitroxyl compound. The reaction is typically carried out with a ratio of 1 to 100 moles of hydrocarbon per mole of nitroxyl moiety with the preferred ratio being 1 to 50 moles per mole of nitroxyl moiety, and the most preferred ratio being 1 to 30 moles of hydrocarbon per mole of nitroxyl moiety.

The preferred amount of organic hydroperoxide is 1 to 20 moles per mole of nitroxyl moiety, with the more preferred amount being 1 to 5 moles of peroxide per mole of nitroxyl moiety and the most preferred amount being 1 to 3 moles of peroxide per mole of nitroxyl moiety.

The organic hydroperoxide used in the process of present invention can be of the formula R—OOH, wherein R usually is a hydrocarbon containing 1-18 carbon atoms. The organic hydroperoxide preferably is a peroxoalcohol containing 3-18 carbon atoms. R is often aliphatic, preferably C₁-C₁₂alkyl. Most preferred organic hydroperoxide is tert.butyl hydroperoxide.

The preferred amount of copper catalyst is from about 0.0001 to 0.5, especially 0.0005 to 0.1 molar equivalent per mole of nitroxyl moiety, with a ratio of 0.001 to 0.05 moles of metal or metal-ligand complex per mole of nitroxyl moiety being the most preferred.

The reaction is preferably run at 0° to 100° C.; more preferably at 20° to 100° C., especially in the range 20-80° C.

More specifically, the instant process involves the reaction of a mixture of 1 to 100 moles of the hydrocarbon of formula IV or V, 1 to 20 moles of organic hydroperoxide, and 0.001 mmoles to 0.5 moles of copper catalyst per mole of N-oxyl compound of formula B (1 mmol is 0.001 mol). Preferably, the molar ratio of copper catalyst per mole of N-oxyl compound of formula B is in the range from 1:100 to 1:100000, especially 1:300 to 1:100000.

-   E is preferably a carbon centered radical formed from a     C₇-C₁₁phenylalkane or a C₆-C₁₀pyridylalkane; or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkane;     or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkene; or an oxacyclohexane or oxycyclohexene; or     C₃-C₈alkene; or C₃-C₈alkene substituted by phenoxy; or a benzene     which is substituted by C₁-C₄alkyl and a further substituent     selected from C₁-C₄alkoxy, glycidyl or glycidyloxy; or E is a     radical of formula (VIII) -   Ar is C₆-C₁₀aryl or C₅-C₉heteroaryl; -   G₁₄ is C₁-C₄alkyl or an acyl radical of an aliphatic carboxylic acid     containing 2 to 4 carbon atoms or benzoyl; -   G₅₅ is H, CH₃ or phenyl; -   G₆₆ is —CN or a group of the formula —COOR₄ or —CH₂—O—G₁₄; -   R₄ is hydrogen or C₁-C₈alkyl; -   L is a carbon centered radical formed from propane, butane, pentane,     2,2-dimethyl-propane, xylene.

Important are educts of formula IV or V which are pure hydrocarbons.

The educt of formula IV or V may serve two functions both as reactant and as solvent for the reaction. The reaction can also be carried out using an inert organic or inorganic solvent. A mixture of products may result if the hydrocarbon contains non-equivalent carbon-hydrogen bonds which are reactive in the instant process. For example, cyclohexane can give only one product whereas isopentane can give three distinct reaction products.

Usually the compound of formula IV or V reacts with its most active aliphatic carbon-hydrogen bond.

A solvent may be used, especially if the hydrocarbon of formula IV or V is a solid at the temperature of the reaction or if the catalyst is not very soluble in the hydrocarbon. Inert solvents should have less active carbon-hydrogen bonds; typical inert solvents are acetonitrile, aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, chlorobenzene, CCl₄, alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether), or, especially for reactions with activated hydrocarbons like alkylated aromats or alkenes, also alkanes like hexane, decane etc., or mixtures thereof. Inorganic solvents such as water are possible as well. The reaction can be carried out in one liquid phase or in separate phases.

Good results can be achieved when phase transfer catalysts such as quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salts are used in addition to the copper catalyst. Preferably, quaternary ammonium or phosphonium halogenides such as chlorides or bromides are employed for this purpose. The structure of the ammonium or phosphonium cation is less important; usually, quaternary ammonium or phosphonium cations contain 4 hydrocarbon residues bonded to the central nitrogen or phosphorus atom, which may be, for example, alkyl, phenylalkyl or phenyl groups. Some readily available materials are tetra-C₁-C₁₂alkylated. The phase transfer catalyst is preferably added in an amount from 0.0001 to 0.5, especially 0.001 to 0.1 molar equivalent per mole of nitroxyl moiety.

The copper catalyst used in the process of the invention is present mainly in the dissolved state. It is often an oxidizable complex ion in the lower oxidation state of a redox system Cu⁺/Cu²⁺ or Cu⁰/Cu⁺.

The ionic charges are counterbalanced by anionic ligands commonly known in complex chemistry of transition metals, such hydride ions (H⁻) or anions derived from inorganic or organic acids, examples being halides, e.g. F⁻, C⁻, Br⁻ or I⁻, fluoro complexes of the type BF₄ ⁻, PF₆ ⁻, SbF₆ ⁻ or AsF₆ ⁻, anions of oxygen acids, alcoholates or acetylides or anions of cyclopentadiene.

Anions of oxygen acids are, for example, sulfate, phosphate, perchlorate, perbromate, periodate, antimonate, arsenate, nitrate, carbonate, the anion of a C₁-C₈carboxylic acid, such as formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, benzoate, phenylacetate, mono-, di- or trichloro- or -fluoroacetate, sulfonates, for example methylsulfonate, ethylsulfonate, propylsulfonate, butylsulfonate, trifluoromethylsulfonate (triflate), unsubstituted or C₁-C₄alkyl-, C₁-C₄alkoxy- or halo-, especially fluoro-, chloro- or bromo-substituted phenylsulfonate or benzylsulfonate, for example tosylate, mesylate, brosylate, p-methoxy- or p-ethoxyphenylsulfonate, pentafluorophenylsulfonate or 2,4,6-triisopropylsulfonate, phosphonates, for example methylphosphonate, ethylphosphonate, propylphosphonate, butylphosphonate, phenylphosphonate, p-methylphenylphosphonate or benzylphosphonate, carboxylates derived from a C₁-C₈carboxylic acid, for example formate, acetate, propionate, butyrate, benzoate, phenylacetate, mono-, di- or trichloro- or -fluoroacetate, and also C₁-C₁₂-alcoholates, such as straight chain or branched C₁-C₁₂-alcoholates, e.g. methanolate or ethanolate. Also oxides are possible.

Anionic ligands and neutral may also be present up to the preferred coordination number of the complex cation, especially four, five or six. Additional negative charges are counterbalanced by cations, especially monovalent cations such as Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄ ⁺ or (C₁-C₄ alkyl)₄N⁺.

Suitable neutral ligands are inorganic or organic neutral ligands commonly known in complex chemistry of transition metals. They coordinate to the metal ion through a σ-, π-, μ-, η-type bonding or any combinations thereof up to the preferred coordination number of the complex cation. Suitable inorganic ligands are selected from the group consisting of aquo (H₂O), amino, nitrogen, carbon monoxide and nitrosyl. Suitable organic ligands are selected from the group consisting of phosphines, e.g. (C₆H₅)₃P, (i-C₃H₇)₃P, (C₅H₉)₃P or (C₆H₁₁)₃P, di-, tri-, tetra- and hydroxyamines, such as ethylenediamine, ethylenediaminotetraacetate (EDTA), N, N-Dimethyl-N′,N′-bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-ethylenediamine (Me₆TREN), catechol, N,N′-dimethyl-1,2-benzenediamine, 2-(methylamino)phenol, 3-(methylamino)-2-butanol or N,N′-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine, N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethyltriamine (PMDETA), C₁-C₈-glycols or glycerides, e.g. ethylene or propylene glycol or derivatives thereof, e.g. di-, tri- or tetraglyme, and monodentate or bidentate heterocyclic e⁻ donor ligands.

Heterocyclic e⁻ donor ligands are derived, for example, from unsubstituted or substituted heteroarenes from the group consisting of furan, thiophene, pyrrole, pyridine, bis-pyridine, picolylimine, g-pyran, g-thiopyran, phenanthroline, pyrimidine, bis-pyrimidine, pyrazine, indole, coumarone, thionaphthene, carbazole, dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, pyrazole, imidazole, benzimidazole, oxazole, thiazole, bis-thiazole, isoxazole, isothiazole, quinoline, bis-quinoline, isoquinoline, bis-isoquinoline, acridine, chromene, phenazine, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, triazine, thianthrene, purine, bis-imidazole and bis-oxazole.

The catalyst can be formed in a separate preliminary reaction step from its ligands or is preferably formed in-situ from its transition metal salt, e.g. Cu(I)Cl, which is then converted to the complex compound by addition of compounds corresponding to the ligands present in the complex catalyst, e.g. by addition of ethylenediamine, EDTA, Me₆TREN or PMDETA. These ligand complexes are items of commerce or may be formed in situ by mixing a metal salt with the ligand. The amount of ligand may be less than the amount required to completely complex the metal based on its oxidation state. The metal salt or metal-ligand complex may be bound to a solid support such as silica gel so that it can be recovered and reused.

Preferred is a process, wherein the active catalyst is a Cu(I) complex ion, especially in the Cu(I)/Cu(II) system.

The instant process can be run in air or in an inert atmosphere such a nitrogen or argon. The instant process can be run under atmospheric pressure as well as under reduced or elevated pressure. Elevated pressure can especially be useful in reactions with a hydrocarbon, which is gaseous under atmospheric pressure and the reaction temperature; in this case, pressure/temperature conditions are advantageous where the hydrocarbon forms a liquid phase or is at least partially dissolved in a suitable solvent.

There are several variations of the instant process. One variation involves the addition of a solution of organic hydroperoxide to a mixture of the N-oxyl hindered amine, the hydrocarbon and cosolvent (if used), and catalyst which has been brought to the desired temperature for reaction. The proper temperature may be maintained by controlling the rate of peroxide addition and/or by using a heating or cooling bath. After the hydroperoxide is added, the reaction mixture is conveniently stirred till the starting N-oxyl compound of formula III has disappeared or is no longer being converted to the compound of formula I and/or II. The reaction can be monitored by methods known in the art such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. Additional portions of catalyst can be added while the reaction is in progress. After the initial hydroperoxide charge has been added to the reaction mixture, more hydroperoxide can be added dropwise to bring the reaction to completion.

A second variation of the instant process is to simultaneously add separate solutions of the hydroperoxide and the nitroxyl compound to a mixture of the hydrocarbon, cosolvent (if used) and catalyst. The nitroxyl compound may be dissolved in water or the alcohol solvent used in the reaction. Some of the nitroxyl compound may be introduced into the reaction mixture prior to starting the peroxide addition, and all of the nitroxyl compound should be added prior to completing the peroxide addition.

Another variation of the instant process involves the simultaneous addition of separate solutions of the hydroperoxide and of the aqueous or alcohol solution of the catalyst to a mixture of the nitroxyl compound, hydrocarbon, and cosolvent (if used). Some of the metal may be introduced into the reaction mixture prior to starting the peroxide addition.

Still another variation of the instant process is the simultaneous addition of separate solutions of the hydroperoxide, of the aqueous or alcohol solution of the nitroxyl compound, and of an aqueous or alcohol solution of the catalyst to the hydrocarbon and cosolvent (if used). A portion of the nitroxyl compound and/or catalyst may be introduced into the reaction mixture prior to starting the hydroperoxide addition. All of the nitroxyl compound should be added prior to completing the hydroperoxide addition.

If a copper-ligand complex is prepared in situ, the metal salt and ligand are most effectively mixed prior to contact with the nitroxyl compound.

At the end of the reaction, the residual hydroperoxide should be carefully decomposed prior to the isolation of any products. Examples for compounds which can be obtained advantageously with the process of present invention are those of formulae 1-28:

wherein in formulas (1) to (15):

-   -   m is 0 or 1;     -   R₁ is hydrogen, hydroxyl or hydroxymethyl;     -   R₂ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or alkenyl of 2 to         12 carbon atoms;     -   n is 1 to 4;     -   when n is 1,     -   R₃ is alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms,         alkoxycarbonylalkylenecarbonyl of 4 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl         of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, glycidyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl,         2-hydroxy or 2-(hydroxymethyl) substituted alkyl of 3 to 12         carbon atoms which alkyl is interrupted by oxygen, an acyl         radical of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic or         carbamic acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical         of a cycloaliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to         12 carbon atoms, or acyl radical of an aromatic acid containing         7 to 15 carbon atoms;     -   when n is 2,     -   R₃ is alkylene of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl radical         of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic dicarboxylic or         dicarbamic acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl         radical of a cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic or dicarbamic acid         containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, or a divalent acyl radical of         an aromatic dicarboxylic acid containing 8 to 15 carbon atoms;     -   when n is 3,     -   R₃ is a trivalent acyl radical of an aliphatic or unsaturated         aliphatic tricarboxylic acid containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or         a trivalent acyl radical of an aromatic tricarboxylic acid         containing 9 to 15 carbon atoms;     -   when n is 4,     -   R₃ is a tetravalent acyl radical of an aliphatic or unsaturated         aliphatic tetracarboxylic acid, especially         1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid,         1,2,3,4-but-2-enetetracarboxylic acid,         1,2,3,5-pentanetetracarboxylic acid and         1,2,4,5-pentanetetracarboxylic acid, or R₃ is a tetravalent acyl         radical of an aromatic tetracarboxylic acid containing 10 to 18         carbon atoms;     -   p is 1 to 3,     -   R₄ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or acyl of 2 to 6         carbon atoms;     -   when p is 1,     -   R₅ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical         of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic or carbamic         acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of a         cycloaliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12         carbon atoms, an acyl radical of an aromatic carboxylic acid         containing 7 to 15 carbon atoms, or R₄ and R₅ together are         —(CH₂)₅CO—, phthaloyl or a divalent acyl radical of maleic acid;     -   when p is 2,     -   R₅ is alkylene of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl radical         of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic dicarboxylic or         dicarbamic acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl         radical of a cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic or dicarbamic acid         containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, or a divalent acyl radical of         an aromatic dicarboxylic acid containing 8 to 15 carbon atoms;     -   when p is 3,     -   R₅ is a trivalent acyl radical of an aliphatic or unsaturated         aliphatic tricarboxylic acid containing 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or         a trivalent acyl radical of an aromatic tricarboxylic acid         containing 9 to 15 carbon atoms;     -   when n is 1,     -   R₆ is alkoxy of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy of 2 to 18         carbon atoms, —NHalkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or —N(alkyl)₂ of         2 to 36 carbon atoms,     -   when n is 2,     -   R₆ is alkylenedioxy of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenylenedioxy of         2 to 18 carbon atoms, —NH-alkylene-NH— of 2 to 18 carbon atoms         or —N(alkyl)-alkylene-N(alkyl)- of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, or R₆         is 4-methyl-1,3-phenylenediamino,     -   when n is 3,     -   R₆ is a trivalent alkoxy radical of a saturated or unsaturated         aliphatic triol containing 3 to 18 carbon atoms,     -   when n is 4,     -   R₆ is a tetravalent alkoxy radical of a saturated or unsaturated         aliphatic tetraol containing 4 to 18 carbon atoms,     -   R₇ and R₈ are independently chlorine, alkoxy of 1 to 18 carbon         atoms, —O—T₁, amino substituted by 2-hydroxyethyl, —NH(alkyl) of         1 to 18 carbon atoms, —N(alkyl)T₁ with alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon         atoms, or —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 36 carbon atoms,     -   R₉ is oxygen, or R₉ is nitrogen substituted by either hydrogen,         alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or T₁         T₁ is     -   R₁₀ is hydrogen or methyl,     -   q is 2 to 8,     -   R₁₁ and R₁₂ are independently hydrogen or the group T₂     -   R₁₃ is hydrogen, phenyl, straight or branched alkyl of 1 to 12         carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, straight or         branched alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms substituted by phenyl,         cycloalkyl of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkenyl of 5 to 8 carbon         atoms, alkenyl of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, glycidyl, allyloxy,         straight or branched hydroxyalkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or         silyl or silyloxy substituted three times independently by         hydrogen, by phenyl, by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or by         alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms;     -   R₁₄ is hydrogen or silyl substituted three times independently         by hydrogen, by phenyl, by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or by         alkoxy of 1 to 4 carbon atoms;     -   d is 0 or 1;     -   h is 0 to 4;     -   k is 0 to 5;     -   x is 3 to 6;     -   y is 1 to 10;     -   z is an integer such that the compound has a molecular weight of         1000 to 4000 amu, e.g. z may be from the range 3-10;     -   R₁₅ is morpholino, piperidino, 1-piperizinyl, alkylamino of 1 to         8 carbon atoms, especially branched alkylamino of 3 to 8 carbon         atoms such as tert-octylamino, —N(alkyl)T₁ with alkyl of 1 to 8         carbon atoms, or —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 16 carbon atoms,     -   R₁₆ is hydrogen, acyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, carbamoyl         substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, s-triazinyl         substituted once by chlorine and once by R₁₅, or s-triazinyl         substituted twice by R₁₅ with the condition that the two         R₁₅substituents may be different;     -   R₁₇ is chlorine, amino substituted by alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon         atoms or by T₁, —N(alkyl)T₁ with alkyl of 1 to 8 carbon atoms,         —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 16 carbon atoms, or the group T₃     -   R₁₈ is hydrogen, acyl of 2 to 4 carbon atoms, carbamoyl         substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, s-triazinyl         substituted twice by —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 16 carbon atoms or         s-triazinyl substituted twice by —N(alkyl)T₁ with alkyl of 1 to         8 carbon atoms;     -   in formulas (16) to (28), R₁, R₂, R₇, R₈, R₉, R₁₀, R₁₃, R₁₄, d,         h, k, m, q, and T₁ have the same meanings as in formulas (1) to         (15);     -   R₁₉ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 2 to         18 carbon atoms, glycidyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxy or         2-(hydroxymethyl) substituted alkyl of 3 to 12 carbon atoms         which alkyl is interrupted by oxygen, an acyl radical of an         aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid         containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of a         cycloaliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12         carbon atoms, or acyl radical of an aromatic acid containing 7         to 15 carbon atoms;     -   R₂₀ is alkylene of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl radical         of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic dicarboxylic or         dicarbamic acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl         radical of a cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic or dicarbamic acid         containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, or a divalent acyl radical of         an aromatic dicarboxylic acid containing 8 to 15 carbon atoms;     -   R₂₁ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or acyl of 2 to 6         carbon atoms;     -   R₂₂ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical         of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic or carbamic         acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of a         cycloaliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12         carbon atoms, an acyl radical of an aromatic carboxylic acid         containing 7 to 15 carbon atoms, or R₄ and R₅ together are         —(CH₂)₅CO—, phthaloyl or a divalent acyl radical of maleic acid;     -   R₂₃ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or acyl of 2 to 6         carbon atoms;     -   R₂₄ is alkylene of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl radical         of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic dicarboxylic or         dicarbamic acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent acyl         radical of a cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic or dicarbamic acid         containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, or a divalent acyl radical of         an aromatic dicarboxylic acid containing 8 to 15 carbon atoms;     -   R₂₅ is alkoxy of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy of 2 to 18         carbon atoms, —NHalkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or —N(alkyl)₂ of         2 to 36 carbon atoms,     -   R₂₆ is alkylenedioxy of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenylenedioxy of         2 to 18 carbon atoms, —NH-alkylene-NH— of 2 to 18 carbon atoms         or —N(alkyl)-alkylene-N(alkyl)- of 3 to 18 carbon atoms.     -   E is a carbon centered radical formed preferably from a         C₇-C₁₁phenylalkane, especially toluene, ethylbenzene,         isopropylbenzene; or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkane, especially cyclohexene;         or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkene, especially cyclohexene; or C₃-C₈alkene,         especially propene; or a benzene which is substituted by         C₁-C₄alkyl and a further substituent selected from C₁-C₄alkoxy,         glycidyl or glycidyloxy.     -   L is a carbon centered radical formed preferably from propane,         butane, pentane, 2,2-dimethyl-propane, xylene, diethylbenzene.

Preferably, the reaction site in the compound E—H or H—L—H is an activated carbon-hydrogen bond, whose carbon, for example, is linked to an electron pushing functional group or a functional group able to stabilize the radical formed after cleavage of the carbon-hydrogen bond. Electron withdrawing groups, if present in E—H or H—L—H, are preferably not directly linked to the reactive site.

Some compounds obtainable by the instant process are novel compounds. Thus, another object of the invention is a compound of the formula XV or XVI

wherein

-   G₁ and G₂ independently are methyl or ethyl; -   G₃ is C₂-C₈alkenyl; C₂-C₈alkenyl substituted by phenyl,     C₁-C₄alkyl-phenyl, cyclohexyl, C₁-C₄alkyl-cyclohexyl or COX′G₈; or     G₃ is OG₁₀; or is a carbon-bonded 5- or 6-membered unsubstituted or     alkyl substituted heterocyclic residue containing 3-12 carbon atoms,     especially 5 carbon atoms in total and whose heteroatoms are     selected from nitrogen and oxygen; -   G₄ is as defined for G₃ or is C₁-C₁₈alkyl, provided that G₄ is not     methyl when G₃ is C₂-alkenyl; or G₃ and G₄ together with the carbon     atom they are attached to form the residue Ph—CH—CN, or form a     carbon-bonded 5- or especially 6-membered unsubstituted or possibly     alkyl substituted, unsaturated heterocyclic residue containing 3-12     carbon atoms in total, especially 5 carbon atoms in total, whose     heteroatoms are selected from nitrogen and oxygen; -   G₆ is H; OH; OR₃; NR₄R₅; (CO)R₆; or is a radical of formula -   G₇ is H; -   or G₆ and G₇ together are ═O or a residue of formula     —O—CH₂—C(R₁)(R₂)—(CH₂)_(m)—O—; -   G₈ is hydrogen or C₁-C₈alkyl or C₂-C₈hydroxyalkyl, especially     C₁-C₈alkyl; -   G′₈ is hydrogen or C₁-C₈alkyl or C₂-C₈hydroxyalkyl or C₂-C₈alkenyl;     G₁₀ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl substituted by phenyl or     C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₁-C₁₂alkoxy and/or OH substituted phenyl; phenyl;     phenyl substituted by C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₁-C₁₂alkoxy, OH; or is a     carbon-bonded 5- or 6-membered unsubstituted or alkyl substituted     heterocyclic residue containing 3-12 carbon atoms and whose     heteroatoms are selected from nitrogen and oxygen; -   G₁₅ is H or methyl; -   G₁₆ is OH; OR₃; NR₄R₅; (CO)R₆; or is a radical of formula -   G₁₇ is H; -   or G₁₆ and G₁₇ together are ═O or a residue of formula     —O—CH₂—C(R₁)(R₂)—(CH₂)_(m)—O—; -   G₁₈ is H or methyl or ═O; -   Ph is phenyl or phenyl substituted by C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy,     halogen and/or nitro; -   m is 0 or 1; -   R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄alkyl, hydroxyl or hydroxymethyl; -   R₂ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or alkenyl of 2 to 12     carbon atoms; -   R₃ is alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylalkylenecarbonyl     of 4 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, glycidyl,     2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxy or 2-(hydroxymethyl) substituted     alkyl of 3 to 12 carbon atoms which alkyl is interrupted by oxygen,     an acyl radical of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic     or carbamic acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of     a cycloaliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12     carbon atoms, or acyl radical of an aromatic acid containing 7 to 15     carbon atoms; -   R₄ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or acyl of 2 to 6     carbon atoms; -   R₅ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of an     aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid     containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of a cycloaliphatic     carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl     radical of an aromatic carboxylic acid containing 7 to 15 carbon     atoms, or R₄ and R₅ together are —(CH₂)₅CO—, phthaloyl or a divalent     acyl radical of maleic acid; -   R₆ is alkoxy of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy of 2 to 18 carbon     atoms, —NHalkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 36     carbon atoms; -   R₇ and R₈ are independently chlorine, alkoxy of 1 to 18 carbon     atoms, amino substituted by 2-hydroxyethyl, —NH(alkyl) of 1 to 18     carbon atoms, or —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 36 carbon atoms; -   R₉ is oxygen, or R₉ is nitrogen substituted by hydrogen or alkyl of     1 to 12 carbon atoms; -   R₁₃ is silyl or silyloxy substituted three times independently by     hydrogen, by phenyl, by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or by alkoxy of     1 to 4 carbon atoms; -   R₃₀ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, C₃-C₁₈alkoxyalkyl; -   X′ is O or NG₈; -   Y—Z is >C(G₁₇)G₁₆ or O or >N—R₃₀.

Another object of the invention is compound of the formula XVII or XVIII

-   -   wherein

-   G₁, G₂ and G₃ are independently methyl or ethyl;

-   G₂₀ is H, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl, especially C₁-C₁₂alkyl;

-   G₂₁ and G₂₂ are independently hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₁₂alkyl or     C₁-C₁₂alkoxy;

-   G₂₃ is oxyl, OH or OE, where E is as defined in claim 1;

-   G₂₄ is methyl, ethyl or phenyl.

Preferred is a compound of the formula XV

wherein

-   G₁ and G₂ independently are methyl or ethyl; -   G₃ is C₂-C₈alkenyl; C₂-C₈alkenyl substituted by phenyl,     C₁-C₄alkyl-phenyl, cyclohexyl, C₁-C₄alkyl-cyclohexyl or COX′G₈;     OG₁₀; or is a carbon-bonded 5- or 6-membered unsubstituted or alkyl     substituted heterocyclic residue containing 3-12 carbon atoms and     whose heteroatoms are selected from nitrogen and oxygen; -   G₄ is as defined for G₃ or is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; -   or G₃ and G₄ together with the carbon atom they are attached to form     a carbon-bonded 5- or 6-membered unsubstituted or alkyl substituted     heterocyclic residue containing 3-12 carbon atoms, whose heteroatoms     are selected from nitrogen and oxygen; -   G₅ is hydrogen; -   G₆ is H; OH; OR₃; NR₄R₅; (CO)R₆; or is a radical of formula -   G₇ is H; -   or G₆ and G₇ together are ═O or a residue of formula     —O—CH₂—C(R₁)(R₂)—(CH₂)_(m)—O—; -   G₈ is hydrogen or C₁-C₈alkyl or C₂-C₈hydroxyalkyl; -   G₁₀ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl substituted by phenyl or     C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₁-C₁₂alkoxy and/or OH substituted phenyl; phenyl;     phenyl substituted by C₁-C₁₂alkyl, C₁-C₁₂alkoxy, OH; or is a     carbon-bonded 5- or 6-membered unsubstituted or alkyl substituted     heterocyclic residue containing 3-12 carbon atoms and whose     heteroatoms are selected from nitrogen and oxygen; -   m is 0 or 1; -   R₁ is hydrogen, hydroxyl or hydroxymethyl; -   R₂ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms or alkenyl of 2 to 12     carbon atoms; -   R₃ is alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkoxycarbonylalkylenecarbonyl     of 4 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyl of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, glycidyl,     2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxy or 2-(hydroxymethyl) substituted     alkyl of 3 to 12 carbon atoms which alkyl is interrupted by oxygen,     an acyl radical of an aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic     or carbamic acid containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of     a cycloaliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12     carbon atoms, or acyl radical of an aromatic acid containing 7 to 15     carbon atoms; -   R₄ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or acyl of 2 to 6     carbon atoms; -   R₅ is hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of an     aliphatic or unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic or carbamic acid     containing 2 to 18 carbon atoms, an acyl radical of a cycloaliphatic     carboxylic or carbamic acid containing 7 to 12 carbon atoms, an acyl     radical of an aromatic carboxylic acid containing 7 to 15 carbon     atoms, or R₄ and R₅ together are —(CH₂)₅CO—, phthaloyl or a divalent     acyl radical of maleic acid; -   R₆ is alkoxy of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alkenyloxy of 2 to 18 carbon     atoms, —NHalkyl of 1 to 18 carbon atoms or —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 36     carbon atoms; -   R₇ and R₈ are independently chlorine, alkoxy of 1 to 18 carbon     atoms, amino substituted by 2-hydroxyethyl, —NH(alkyl) of 1 to 18     carbon atoms, or —N(alkyl)₂ of 2 to 36 carbon atoms; -   R₉ is oxygen, or R₉ is nitrogen substituted by hydrogen or alkyl of     1 to 12 carbon atoms; -   R₁₃ is silyl or silyloxy substituted three times independently by     hydrogen, by phenyl, by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms or by alkoxy of     1 to 4 carbon atoms; -   X′ is O or NH.

Preferred compounds are those wherein the carbon-bonded 5- or 6-membered unsubstituted or alkyl substituted heterocyclic residue containing 3-12 carbon atoms, whose heteroatoms are selected from nitrogen and oxygen, is pyridyl; furyl; di- or tetrahydrofuryl; pyryl; di- or tetrahydropyryl; dioxanyl; or one of these residues substituted by C₁-C₄alkyl. Further preferences are as described above for formula A.

Compounds of the formula A and XV can be employed with advantage for stabilizing organic material against the damaging effect of light, oxygen and/or heat, especially for stabilizing synthetic organic polymers or compositions containing them. They are notable for high thermal stability, substrate compatibility and good persistence in the substrate. Examples of polymers which can be stabilized in this way are the following:

-   1. Polymers of monoolefins and diolefins, for example polypropylene,     polyisobutylene, polybut-1-ene, poly-4-methylpent-1-ene,     polyisoprene or polybutadiene, as well as polymers of cycloolefins,     for instance of cyclopentene or norbornene, polyethylene (which     optionally can be crosslinked), for example high density     polyethylene (HDPE), high density and high molecular weight     polyethylene (HDPE-HMW), high density and ultrahigh molecular weight     polyethylene (HDPE-UHMW), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), low     density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene     (LLDPE), (VLDPE) and (ULDPE).

Polyolefins, i.e. the polymers of monoolefins exemplified in the preceding paragraph, preferably polyethylene and polypropylene, can be prepared by different, and especially by the following, methods:

-   -   a) radical polymerisation (normally under high pressure and at         elevated temperature).     -   b) catalytic polymerisation using a catalyst that normally         contains one or more than one metal of groups IVb, Vb, VIb or         VIII of the Periodic Table. These metals usually have one or         more than one ligand, typically oxides, halides, alcoholates,         esters, ethers, amines, alkyls, alkenyls and/or aryls that may         be either π- or σ-coordinated. These metal complexes may be in         the free form or fixed on substrates, typically on activated         magnesium chloride, titanium(III) chloride, alumina or silicon         oxide. These catalysts may be soluble or insoluble in the         polymerisation medium. The catalysts can be used by themselves         in the polymerisation or further activators may be used,         typically metal alkyls, metal hydrides, metal alkyl halides,         metal alkyl oxides or metal alkyloxanes, said metals being         elements of groups Ia, IIa and/or IIIa of the Periodic Table.         The activators may be modified conveniently with further ester,         ether, amine or silyl ether groups. These catalyst systems are         usually termed Phillips, Standard Oil Indiana, Ziegler (-Natta),         TNZ (DuPont), metallocene or single site catalysts (SSC).

-   2. Mixtures of the polymers mentioned under 1), for example mixtures     of polypropylene with polyisobutylene, polypropylene with     polyethylene (for example PP/HDPE, PP/LDPE) and mixtures of     different types of polyethylene (for example LDPE/HDPE).

-   3. Copolymers of monoolefins and diolefins with each other or with     other vinyl monomers, for example ethylene/propylene copolymers,     linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and mixtures thereof with     low density polyethylene (LDPE), propylene/but-1-ene copolymers,     propylene/isobutylene copolymers, ethyleneibut-1-ene copolymers,     ethylene/hexene copolymers, ethylene/methylpentene copolymers,     ethylene/heptene copolymers, ethylene/octene copolymers,     propylene/butadiene copolymers, isobutylene/isoprene copolymers,     ethylene/alkyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/alkyl methacrylate     copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers and their copolymers     with carbon monoxide or ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers and their     salts (ionomers) as well as terpolymers of ethylene with propylene     and a diene such as hexadiene, dicyclopentadiene or     ethylidene-norbornene; and mixtures of such copolymers with one     another and with polymers mentioned in 1) above, for example     polypropylene/ethylene-propylene copolymers, LDPE/ethylene-vinyl     acetate copolymers (EVA), LDPE/ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers     (EAA), LLDPE/EVA, LLDPE/EAA and alternating or random     polyalkylene/carbon monoxide copolymers and mixtures thereof with     other polymers, for example polyamides.

-   4. Hydrocarbon resins (for example C₅-C₉) including hydrogenated     modifications thereof (e.g. tackifiers) and mixtures of     polyalkylenes and starch.

-   5. Polystyrene, poly(p-methylstyrene), poly(α-methylstyrene).

-   6. Copolymers of styrene or α-methylstyrene with dienes or acrylic     derivatives, for example styrene/butadiene, styrene/acrylonitrile,     styrene/alkyl methacrylate, styrene/butadiene/alkyl acrylate,     styrene/butadiene/alkyl methacrylate, styrene/maleic anhydride,     styrene/acrylonitrile/methyl acrylate; mixtures of high impact     strength of styrene copolymers and another polymer, for example a     polyacrylate, a diene polymer or an ethylene/propylene/diene     terpolymer; and block copolymers of styrene such as     styrene/butadiene/styrene, styrene/isoprene/styrene,     styrene/ethylene/butylene/styrene or styrene/ethylene/propylene/     styrene.

-   7. Graft copolymers of styrene or α-methylstyrene, for example     styrene on polybutadiene, styrene on polybutadiene-styrene or     polybutadiene-acrylonitrile copolymers; styrene and acrylonitrile     (or methacrylonitrile) on polybutadiene; styrene, acrylonitrile and     methyl methacrylate on polybutadiene; styrene and maleic anhydride     on polybutadiene; styrene, acrylonitrile and maleic anhydride or     maleimide on polybutadiene; styrene and maleimide on polybutadiene;     styrene and alkyl acrylates or methacrylates on polybutadiene;     styrene and acrylonitrile on ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymers;     styrene and acrylonitrile on polyalkyl acrylates or polyalkyl     methacrylates, styrene and acrylonitrile on acrylate/butadiene     copolymers, as well as mixtures thereof with the copolymers listed     under 6), for example the copolymer mixtures known as ABS, MBS, ASA     or AES polymers.

-   8. Halogen-containing polymers such as polychloroprene, chlorinated     rubbers, chlorinated and brominated copolymer of     isobutylene-isoprene (halobutyl rubber), chlorinated or     sulfochlorinated polyethylene, copolymers of ethylene and     chlorinated ethylene, epichlorohydrin homo- and copolymers,     especially polymers of halogen-containing vinyl compounds, for     example polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl     fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride, as well as copolymers thereof     such as vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride/vinyl     acetate or vinylidene chloride/vinyl acetate copolymers.

-   9. Polymers derived from α,β-unsaturated acids and derivatives     thereof such as polyacrylates and polymethacrylates; polymethyl     methacrylates, polyacrylamides and polyacrylonitriles,     impact-modified with butyl acrylate.

-   10. Copolymers of the monomers mentioned under 9) with each other or     with other unsaturated monomers, for example acrylonitrile/butadiene     copolymers, acrylonitrile/alkyl acrylate copolymers,     acrylonitrile/alkoxyalkyl acrylate or acrylonitrile/vinyl halide     copolymers or acrylonitrile/alkyl methacrylate/butadiene     terpolymers.

-   11. Polymers derived from unsaturated alcohols and amines or the     acyl derivatives or acetals thereof, for example polyvinyl alcohol,     polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl stearate, polyvinyl benzoate, polyvinyl     maleate, polyvinyl butyral, polyallyl phthalate or polyallyl     melamine; as well as their copolymers with olefins mentioned in 1)     above.

-   12. Homopolymers and copolymers of cyclic ethers such as     polyalkylene glycols, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide or     copolymers thereof with bisglycidyl ethers.

-   13. Polyacetals such as polyoxymethylene and those polyoxymethylenes     which contain ethylene oxide as a comonomer; polyacetals modified     with thermoplastic polyurethanes, acrylates or MBS.

-   14. Polyphenylene oxides and sulfides, and mixtures of polyphenylene     oxides with styrene polymers or polyamides.

-   15. Polyurethanes derived from hydroxyl-terminated polyethers,     polyesters or polybutadienes on the one hand and aliphatic or     aromatic polyisocyanates on the other, as well as precursors     thereof.

-   16. Polyamides and copolyamides derived from diamines and     dicarboxylic acids and/or from aminocarboxylic acids or the     corresponding lactams, for example polyamide 4, polyamide 6,     polyamide 6/6, 6/10, 619, 6/12, 416, 12/12, polyamide 11, polyamide     12, aromatic polyamides starting from m-xylene diamine and adipic     acid; polyamides prepared from hexamethylenediamine and isophthalic     or/and terephthalic acid and with or without an elastomer as     modifier, for example poly-2,4,4,-trimethylhexamethylene     terephthalamide or poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide; and also block     copolymers of the aforementioned polyamides with polyolefins, olefin     copolymers, ionomers or chemically bonded or grafted elastomers; or     with polyethers, e.g. with polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol     or polytetramethylene glycol; as well as polyamides or copolyamides     modified with EPDM or ABS; and polyamides condensed during     processing (RIM polyamide systems).

-   17. Polyureas, polyimides, polyamide-imides, polyetherimids,     polyesterimids, polyhydantoins and polybenzimidazoles.

-   18. Polyesters derived from dicarboxylic acids and diols and/or from     hydroxycarboxylic acids or the corresponding lactones, for example     polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate,     poly-1,4-dimethylolcyclohexane terephthalate and     polyhydroxybenzoates, as well as block copolyether esters derived     from hydroxyl-terminated polyethers; and also polyesters modified     with polycarbonates or MBS.

-   19. Polycarbonates and polyester carbonates.

-   20. Polysulfones, polyether sulfones and polyether ketones.

-   21. Crosslinked polymers derived from aldehydes on the one hand and     phenols, ureas and melamines on the other hand, such as     phenol/formaldehyde resins, urea/formaldehyde resins and     melamine/formaldehyde resins.

-   22. Drying and non-drying alkyd resins.

-   23. Unsaturated polyester resins derived from copolyesters of     saturated and unsaturated dicarboxylic acids with polyhydric     alcohols and vinyl compounds as crosslinking agents, and also     halogen-containing modifications thereof of low flammability.

-   24. Crosslinkable acrylic resins derived from substituted acrylates,     for example epoxy acrylates, urethane acrylates or polyester     acrylates.

-   25. Alkyd resins, polyester resins and acrylate resins crosslinked     with melamine resins, urea resins, isocyanates, isocyanurates,     polyisocyanates or epoxy resins.

-   26. Crosslinked epoxy resins derived from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic,     heterocyclic or aromatic glycidyl compounds, e.g. products of     diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A and bisphenol F, which are     crosslinked with customary hardeners such as anhydrides or amines,     with or without accelerators.

-   27. Blends of the aforementioned polymers (polyblends), for example     PP/EPDM, Polyamide/EPDM or ABS, PVC/EVA, PVC/ABS, PVC/MBS, PC/ABS,     PBTP/ABS, PC/ASA, PC/PBT, PVC/CPE, PVC/acrylates, POM/thermoplastic     PUR, PC/thermoplastic PUR, POM/acrylate, POM/MBS, PPO/HIPS, PPO/PA     6.6 and copolymers, PA/HDPE, PA/PP, PA/PPO, PBT/PC/ABS or     PBT/PET/PC.

Of particular interest is the use of compounds of the formula XV as stabilizers in synthetic organic polymers, for example a coating or a bulk polymer or article formed therefrom, especially in thermoplastic polymers and corresponding compositions as well as in coating compositions. Thermoplastic polymers of most importance in present compositions are polyolefines and their copolymers, such as listed above under items 1-3, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), thermoplastic polyurethan (TPU), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), polycarbonate, such as in item 19 above, and blends, such as in item 28 above. Of utmost importance are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) and polycarbonate blends such as PC/ABS blends, as well as in acid or metal catalyzed coating compositions.

In general the compounds of present invention are added to the material to be stabilized in amounts of from 0.1 to 10%, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, in particular from 0.01 to 2% (based on the material to be stabilized). Particular preference is given to the use of the novel compounds in amounts of from 0.05 to 1.5%, especially from 0.1 to 0.5%. Where compounds of present invention are used as flame retardants, dosages are usually higher, e.g. 0.1 to 25% by weight, mainly 0.1 to 10% by weight of the organic material to be stabilized and protected against inflammation.

Used in polymerizable compositions as a polymerization regulator or initiator, preferably the regulator/initiator compound is present in an amount of from 0.01 mol-% to 30 mol-%, more preferably in an amount of from 0.1 mol-% to 20 mol-% and most preferred in an amount of from 0.5 mol-% to 10 mol-% based on the monomer or monomer mixture.

Incorporation into the materials can be effected, for example, by mixing in or applying the compounds of the formula A or XV and, if desired, further additives by the methods which are customary in the art. Where polymers are involved, especially synthetic polymers, incorporation can take place prior to or during the shaping operation, or by applying the dissolved or dispersed compound to the polymer, with or without subsequent evaporation of the solvent. In the case of elastomers, these can also be stabilized as latices. A further possibility for incorporating the compounds of the formula XV into polymers is to add them before, during or directly after the polymerization of the corresponding monomers or prior to crosslinking. In this context the compound of the formula XV can be added as it is or else in encapsulated form (for example in waxes, oils or polymers). In the case of addition prior to or during the polymerization, the compounds of the formula XV can also act as a regulator of the chain length of the polymers (chain terminator).

The compounds of the formula XV can also be added in the form of a masterbatch containing said compound in a concentration, for example, of from 2.5 to 25% by weight to the polymers that are to be stabilized.

The compounds of the formula XV can judiciously be incorporated by the following methods:

-   -   as emulsion or dispersion (e.g. to latices or emulsion         polymers),     -   as a dry mixture during the mixing in of additional components         or polymer mixtures,     -   by direct introduction into the processing apparatus (e.g.         extruders, internal mixers, etc),     -   as solution or melt.

Novel polymer compositions can be employed in various forms and/or processed to give various products, for example as (to give) films, fibres, tapes, moulding compositions, profiles, or as binders for coating materials, adhesives or putties.

In addition to the compounds of the formula XV the novel compositions may as additional component C comprise one or more conventional additives such as, for example, those indicated below.

-   1. Antioxidants -   1.1. Alkylated monophenols, for example     2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2-tert-butyl-4,6-di-methylphenol,     2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-n-butylphenol,     2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol,     2,6-dicyclopentyl-4-methylphenol,     2-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-4,6-dimethylphenol,     2,6-dioctadecyl-4-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tricyclohexylphenol,     2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methoxymethylphenol, nonylphenols which are     linear or branched in the side chains, for example,     2,6-di-nonyl-4-methylphenol,     2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methylundec-1′-yl)phenol,     2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methylheptadec-1′-yl)phenol,     2,4-dimethyl-6-(1′-methyltridec-1′-yl)phenol and mixtures thereof. -   1.2. Alkylthiomethylphenols, for example     2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-tert-butylphenol,     2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-methylphenol,     2,4-dioctylthiomethyl-6-ethylphenol,     2,6-di-dodecylthiomethyl-4-nonylphenol. -   1.3. Hydroquinones and alkylated hydroquinones, for example     2,6-di-tert-butyl4-methoxyphenol, 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone,     2,5-di-tert-amylhydroquinone, 2,6-diphenyl-4-octadecyloxyphenol,     2,6-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole,     3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole,     3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl stearate,     bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) adipate. -   1.4. Tocopherols, for example α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol,     γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol and mixtures thereof (Vitamin E). -   1.5. Hydroxylated thiodiphenyl ethers, for example     2,2′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol),     2,2′-thiobis(4-octylphenol),     4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol),     4,4′-thiobis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),     4,4′-thiobis-(3,6-di-sec-amylphenol),     4,4′-bis(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)disulfide. -   1.6. Alkylidenebisphenols, for example     2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol),     2,2′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol),     2,2′-methylenebis[4-methyl-6-(α-methylcyclohexyl)-phenol],     2,2′-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-cyclohexylphenol),     2,2′-methylenebis(6-nonyl-4-methylphenol),     2,2′-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol),     2,2′-ethylidenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenol),     2,2′-ethylidenebis(6-tert-butyl-4-isobutylphenol),     2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α-methylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],     2,2′-methylenebis[6-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-4-nonylphenol],     4,4′-methylenebis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol),     4,4′-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-2-methylphenol),     1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,     2,6-bis(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)4-methylphenol,     1,1,3-tris(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)butane,     1,1-bis(5-tert-butyl4-hydroxy-2-methyl-phenyl)-3-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,     ethylene glycol     bis[3,3-bis(3′-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate],     bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methyl-phenyl)dicyclopentadiene,     bis[2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylbenzyl)-6-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl]terephthalate,     1,1-bis-(3,5-dimethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)butane,     2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propane,     2,2-bis-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy2-methylphenyl)-4-n-dodecylmercaptobutane,     1,1,5,5-tetra-(5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl)pentane. -   1.7. O—, N— and S-benzyl compounds, for example     3,5,3′,5′-tetra-tert-butyl4,4′-dihydroxydibenzyl ether,     octadecyl-4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzylmercaptoacetate,     tridecyl4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylmercaptoacetate,     tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)amine,     bis(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)dithioterephthalate,     bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)sulfide,     isooctyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmercaptoacetate. -   1.8. Hydroxybenzylated malonates, for example     dioctadecyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-malonate,     di-octadecyl-2-(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-malonate,     didodecylmercaptoethyl-2,2-bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate,     bis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl]-2,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)malonate. -   1.9. Aromatic hydroxybenzyl compounds, for example     1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene,     1,4-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene,     2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxybenzyl)phenol. -   1.10. Triazine Compounds, for example     2,4-bis(octylmercapto)-6-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-octylmercapto4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanilino)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-octylmercapto-4,6-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine,     2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)-1,2,3-triazine,     1,3,5-tris-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate,     1,3,5-tris(4-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)isocyanurate,     2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     1,3,5-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine,     1,3,5-tris(3,5-dicyclohexyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)isocyanurate. -   1.11. Benzylphosphonates, for example     dimethyl-2,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,     diethyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,     dioctadecyl3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonate,     dioctadecyl-5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-3-methylbenzylphosphonate, the     calcium salt of the monoethyl ester of     3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid. -   1.12. Acylaminophenols, for example 4-hydroxylauranilide,     4-hydroxystearanilide, octyl     N-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)carbamate. -   1.13. Esters of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid     with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol,     n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol,     ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene     glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,     tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,     3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,     trimethylolpropane,     4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. -   1.14. Esters of β-(5-tert-butyl4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propionic     acid with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol,     n-octanol, i-octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol,     ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene     glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,     tris(hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,     3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,     trimethylolpropane,     4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. -   1.15. Esters of β-(3,5-dicyclohexyl4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid     with mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol,     octanol, octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene     glycol, 1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol,     diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,     tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,     3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,     trimethylolpropane,     4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. -   1.16. Esters of 3.5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid with     mono- or polyhydric alcohols, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, octanol,     octadecanol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, ethylene glycol,     1,2-propanediol, neopentyl glycol, thiodiethylene glycol, diethylene     glycol, triethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,     tris(hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate, N,N′-bis(hydroxyethyl)oxamide,     3-thiaundecanol, 3-thiapentadecanol, trimethylhexanediol,     trimethylolpropane,     4-hydroxymethyl-1-phospha-2,6,7-trioxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. -   1.17. Amides of β-(3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid     e.g.     N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)hexamethylenediamide,     N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)trimethylenediamide,     N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)-hydrazide,     N,N′-bis[2-(3-[3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxyphenyllpropionyloxy)ethyldoxamide     (Naugard®XL-1 supplied by Uniroyal). -   1.18. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) -   1.19. Aminic antioxidants, for example     N,N′-di-isopropyl-p-phenylenediamine,     N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine,     N,N′-bis(1,4-dimethylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,     N,N′-bis(1-ethyl-3-methylpentyl)-p-phenylenediamine,     N,N′-bis(1-methylheptyl)-p-phenylenediamine,     N,N′-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine,     N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine,     N,N′-bis(2-naphthyl)-p-phenylenediamine,     N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,     N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,     N-(1-methylheptyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine,     N-cyclohexyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenlenediamine,     4-(p-toluenesulfamoyl)diphenylamine,     N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-di-sec-butyl-p-phenylenediamine, diphenylamine,     N-allyldiphenylamine, 4-isopropoxydiphenylamine,     N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-naphthylamine,     N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine, octylated diphenylamine, for example     p,p′-di-tert-octyldiphenylamine, 4-n-butylaminophenol,     4-butyrylaminophenol, 4-nonanoylaminophenol,     4-dodecanoylaminophenol, 4-octadecanoylaminophenol,     bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amine,     2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-dimethylaminomethylphenol,     2,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane,     N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane,     1,2-bis[(2-methylphenyl)amino]ethane, 1,2-bis(phenylamino)propane,     (o-tolyl)biguanide, bis[4-(1′,3′-dimethylbutyl)phenyl]amine,     tert-octylated N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, a mixture of mono- and     dialkylated tert-butyl/tert-octyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono-     and dialkylated nonyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and     dialkylated dodecyidiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- and     dialkylated isopropylisohexyldiphenylamines, a mixture of mono- und     dialkylated tert-butyldiphenylamines,     2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-4H-1,4-benzothiazine, phenothiazine, a     mixture of mono- und dialkylated     tert-butyl/tert-octylphenothiazines, a mixture of mono- und     dialkylated tert-octyl-phenothiazines, N-allylphenothiazin,     N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl-1,4-diaminobut-2-ene,     N,N-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperid-4-yl-hexamethylenediamine,     bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperid-4-yl)-sebacate,     2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-one,     2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-ol. -   2. UV Absorbers and Light Stabilisers -   2.1. 2-(2′-Hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazoles, for example     2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)-benzotriazole,     2-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(5′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)pheny!)benzotriazole,     2-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,     2-(3′-sec-butyl-5′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(2′-hydroxy-4′-octyloxyphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(3′,5′-di-tert-amyl-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(3′,5′-bis-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy     5′-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-5′-[2-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-carbonylethyl]-2′-hydroxyphenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)-5-chloro-benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-octyloxycarbonylethyl)phenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-5′-12-(2-ethylhexyloxy)carbonylethyl]-2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(3′-dodecyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-methylphenyl)benzotriazole,     2-(3′-tert-butyl-2′-hydroxy-5′-(2-isooctyloxycarbonylethyl)phenylbenzotriazole,     2,2′-methylene-bis-(4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-benzotriazole-2-ylphenol];     the transesterification product of     2-[3′-tert-butyl-5′-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)-2′-hydroxyphenyl]-2H-benzotriazole     with polyethylene glycol 300; [R—CH₂CH₂—COO—CH₂CH₂₂ where     R=3′-tert-butyl4′-hydroxy-5′-2H-benzotriazol-2-ylphenyl,     2-[2′-hydroxy-3′-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-5′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl]benzotriazole;     2-[2′-hydroxy-3′-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-5′-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-phenyl]benzotriazole. -   2.2. 2-Hydroxybenzophenones, for example the 4-hydroxy, 4-methoxy,     4-octyloxy, 4-decyloxy, 4-dodecyloxy, 4-benzyloxy,     4,2′,4′-trihydroxy and 2′-hydroxy-4,4′-dimethoxy derivatives. -   2.3. Esters of substituted and unsubstituted benzoic acids, as for     example 4-tertbutyl-phenyl salicylate, phenyl salicylate,     octyiphenyl salicylate, dibenzoyl resorcinol,     bis(4-tert-butylbenzoyl) resorcinol, benzoyl resorcinol,     2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxybenzoate,     hexadecyl 3,5-di-tert-butyl4-hydroxybenzoate, octadecyl     3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate,     2-methyl-4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl     3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoate. -   2.4. Acrylates, for example ethyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate,     isooctyl α-cyano-β,β-diphenylacrylate, methyl     α-carbomethoxycinnamate, methyl     α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, butyl     α-cyano-β-methyl-p-methoxy-cinnamate, methyl     α-carbomethoxy-p-methoxycinnamate and     N-(β-carbomethoxy-β-cyanovinyl)-2-methylindoline. -   2.5. Nickel compounds, for example nickel complexes of     2,2′-thio-bis-[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol], such as the 1:1     or 1:2 complex, with or without additional ligands such as     n-butylamine, triethanolamine or N-cyclohexyldiethanolamine, nickel     dibutyldithiocarbamate, nickel salts of the monoalkyl esters, e.g.     the methyl or ethyl ester, of     4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzylphosphonic acid, nickel complexes     of ketoximes, e.g. of 2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl undecylketoxime,     nickel complexes of 1-phenyl-4-lauroyl-5-hydroxypyrazole, with or     without additional ligands. -   2.6. Sterically hindered amines, for example     bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl4-piperidyl)sebacate,     bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)succinate,     bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)sebacate,     bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl4-piperidyl)sebacate,     bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)     n-butyl-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylmalonate, the condensate of     1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine and     succinic acid, linear or cyclic condensates of     N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and     4-tert-octylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine,     tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)nitrilotriacetate,     tetrakis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-butane-tetracarboxylate,     1,1′-(1,2-ethanediyl)-bis(3,3,5,5-tetramethylpiperazinone),     4-benzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,     4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine,     bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-2-n-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylbenzyl)malonate,     3-n-octyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-2,4-dione,     bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)sebacate,     bis(1-octyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl)succinate, linear or     cyclic condensates of     N,N′-bis-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and     4-morpholino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, the condensate of     2-chloro4,6-bis(4-n-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidyl     )-1,3,5-triazine and 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane, the     condensate of     2-chloro4,6-di-(4-n-butylamino-1,2,2,6,6-pentamethylpiperidyl)-1,3,5-triazine     and 1,2-bis-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane,     8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decane-2,4-dione,     3-dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidin-2,5-dione,     3-dodecyl-1-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione,     a mixture of 4-hexadecyloxy- and     4-stearyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine, a condensation product     of N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine and     4-cyclohexylamino-2,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine, a condensation     product of 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane and     2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine as well as     4-butylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (CAS Reg. No.     [136504-96-6]);     N-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,     N-(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyl)-n-dodecylsuccinimid,     2-undecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxo-spiro[4,5]decane,     a reaction product of     7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-2-cycloundecyl-1-oxa-3,8-diaza-4-oxospiro     [4,5]decane und epichlorohydrin,     1,1-bis(1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-piperidyloxyarbonyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethene,     N,N′-bis-formyl-N,N′-bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)hexamethylenediamine,     diester of 4-methoxy-methylene-malonic acid with     1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-hydroxypiperidine,     polylmethylpropyl-3-oxy-4-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl)]siloxane,     reaction product of maleic acid anhydride-α-olefin-copolymer with     2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-aminopiperidine or     1,2,2,6,6-pentamethyl-4-aminopiperidine,     2,4-bis[N-(1-cyclohexyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine4-yl)-N-butyl-amino]-6-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-1,3,5-triazine. -   2.7. Oxamides, for example 4,4′-dioctyloxyoxanilide,     2,2′-diethoxyoxanilide, 2,2′-dioctyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide,     2,2′-didodecyloxy-5,5′-di-tert-butoxanilide,     2-ethoxy-2′-ethyloxanilide, N,N′-bis(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide,     2-ethoxy-5-tert-butyl-2′-ethoxanilide and its mixture with     2-ethoxy-2′-ethyl-5,4′-di-tert-butoxanilide, mixtures of o- and     p-methoxy-disubstituted oxanilides and mixtures of o- and     p-ethoxy-disubstituted oxanilides. -   2.8. 2-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazines, for example     2,4,6-tris(2-hydroxy4-octyloxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2,4-bis(2-hydroxy-4-propyloxyphenyl)-6-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis-(4-methylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2-hydroxy-4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2-hydroxy-4-tridecyloxyphenyl)-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-butyloxy-propoxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2-hydroxy-3-octyloxy-propyloxy)phenyl]-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethyl)-5,3,5-triazine,     2-[4-(dodecyloxyltridecyloxy-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2-hydroxy-phenyl]4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-[2-hydroxy4-(2-hydroxy-3-dodecyloxy-propoxy)phenyl]4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2-hydroxy-4-hexyloxy)phenyl-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine,     2,4,6-tris[2-hydroxy-4-(3-butoxy-2-hydroxy-propoxy)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine,     2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-triazine,     2-{2-hydroxy-4-[3-(2-ethylhexyl-1-oxy)-2-hydroxypropyloxy]phenyl}-4,6-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine,     2-{2-hydroxy4-[1-octyloxycarbonyl-ethoxy]phenyl}-4,6-bis(4-phenylphenyl)-1,3,5Sriazine     wherein the octyl moiety is a mixture of different isomers. -   3. Metal deactivators, for example N,N′-diphenyloxamide,     N-salicylal-N′-salicyloyl hydrazine, N, N′-bis(salicyloyl)     hydrazine, N, N′-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylpropionyl)     hydrazine, 3-salicyloylamino-1,2,4-triazole, bis(benzylidene)oxalyl     dihydrazide, oxanilide, isophthaloyl dihydrazide, sebacoyl     bisphenylhydrazide, N,N′-diacetyladipoyl dihydrazide,     N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)oxalyl dihydrazide,     N,N′-bis(salicyloyl)thiopropionyl dihydrazide. -   4. Phosphites and phosphonites, for example triphenyl phosphite,     diphenyl alkyl phosphites, phenyl dialkyl phosphites,     tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, trilauryl phosphite, trioctadecyl     phosphite, distearyl pentaerythritol diphosphite,     tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite, diisodecyl pentaerythritol     diphosphite, bis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) pentaerythritol     diphosphite, bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl)-pentaerythritol     diphosphite, diisodecyloxypentaerythritol diphosphite,     bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite,     bis(2,4,6-tris(tert-butylphenyl)pentaerythritol diphosphite,     tristearyl sorbitol triphosphite, tetrakis(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl)     4,4′-biphenylene diphosphonite,     6-isooctyloxy-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12H-dibenz[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin,     6-fluoro-2,4,8,10-tetra-tert-butyl-12-methyl-dibenz[d,g]-1,3,2-dioxaphosphocin,     bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) methyl phosphite,     bis(2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-methylphenyl) ethyl phosphite,     2,2′,2″-nitrilo(triethyltris(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphitel,     2-ethylhexyl(3,3′,5,5′-tetra-tert-butyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl)phosphite.

Especially preferred are the following phosphites:

-   Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphite (Irgafos® 168, Ciba-Geigy),     tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, -   5. Hydroxylamines, for example, N,N-dibenzylhydroxylamine,     N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctylhydroxylamine,     N,N-dilaurylhydroxylamine, N,N-ditetradecylhydroxylamine,     N,N-dihexadecylhydroxylamine, N,N-dioctadecylhydroxylamine,     N-hexadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxylamine,     N-heptadecyl-N-octadecylhydroxyiamine, N,N-dialkylhydroxylamine     derived from hydrogenated tallow amine. -   6. Nitrones, for example, N-benzyl-alpha-phenyl-nitrone,     N-ethyl-alpha-methyl-nitrone, N-octyl-alpha-heptyl-nitrone,     N-lauryl-alpha-undecyl-nitrone, N-tetradecyl-alpha-tridcyl-nitrone,     N-hexadecyl-alpha-pentadecyl-nitrone,     N-octadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl-nitrone,     N-hexadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl-nitrone,     N-ocatadecyl-alpha-pentadecyl-nitrone,     N-heptadecyl-alpha-heptadecyl-nitrone,     N-octadecyl-alpha-hexadecyl-nitrone, nitrone derived from     N,N-dialkylhy-droxylamine derived from hydrogenated tallow amine. -   7. Thiosynergists, for example, dilauryl thiodipropionate or     distearyl thiodipropionate. -   8. Peroxide scavengers, for example esters of β-thiodipropionic     acid, for example the lauryl, stearyl, myristyl or tridecyl esters,     mercaptobenzimidazole or the zinc salt of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole,     zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate, dioctadecyl disulfide, pentaerythritol     tetrakis(β-dodecylmercapto)propionate. -   9. Polyamide stabilisers, for example, copper salts in combination     with iodides and/or phosphorus compounds and salts of divalent     manganese. -   10. Basic co-stabilisers, for example, melamine,     polyvinylpyrrolidone, dicyandiamide, triallyl cyanurate, urea     derivatives, hydrazine derivatives, amines, polyamides,     polyurethanes, alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts of     higher fatty acids for example calcium stearate, zinc stearate,     magnesium behenate, magnesium stearate, sodium ricinoleate and     potassium palmitate, antimony pyrocatecholate or zink     pyrocatecholate. -   11. Nucleating agents, for example, inorganic substances such as     talcum, metal oxides such as titanium dioxide or magnesium oxide,     phosphates, carbonates or sulfates of, preferably, alkaline earth     metals; organic compounds such as mono- or polycarboxylic acids and     the salts thereof, e.g. 4-tert-butylbenzoic acid, adipic acid,     diphenylacetic acid, sodium succinate or sodium benzoate; polymeric     compounds such as ionic copolymers (ionomers). -   12. Fillers and reinforcing agents, for example, calcium carbonate,     silicates, glass fibres, glass bulbs, asbestos, talc, kaolin, mica,     barium sulfate, metal oxides and hydroxides, carbon black, graphite,     wood flour and flours or fibers of other natural products, synthetic     fibers. -   13. Other additives, for example, plasticisers, lubricants,     emulsifiers, pigments, rheology additives, catalysts, flow-control     agents, optical brighteners, flameproofing agents, antistatic agents     and blowing agents. -   14. Benzofuranones and indolinones, for example those disclosed in     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,863; 4,338,244; 5,175,312; 5,216,052;     5,252,643; DE-A-4316611; DE-A-4316622; DE-A-4316876; EP-A-0589839 or     EP-A-0591102 or     3-[4-(2-acetoxyethoxy)-phenyl]-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,     5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-[4-(2-stearoyloxyethoxy)phenyl]benzofuran-2-one,     3,3′-bis[5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-[2-hydroxyethoxy]phenyl)benzofuran-2-one],     5,7-di-tert-butyl-3-(4-ethoxyphenyl)benzofuran-2-one,     3-(4-acetoxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,     3-(3,5-dimethyl4-pivaloyloxyphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,     3-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one,     3-(2,3-di-methylphenyl)-5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzofuran-2-one.

The conventional additives are judiciously employed in amounts of 0.1-10% by weight, for example 0.2-5% by weight, based on the material to be stabilized.

The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed to limit the instant invention in any manner whatsoever. Percentages given are usually percent by weight if not otherwise indicated. Abbreviations used:

-   -   min. minutes;     -   HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography;     -   GC gas chromatography.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of

A mixture of 0.85 ml 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-propoxypiperidine, 4.67 ml of a 53.4% solution of tert.butyl hydroperoxide in decane, and 25 mg CuCl₂ (as a 1% solution in ethanol; ratio catalyst:nitroxyl=1:2000 {mol/mol}) and 4.95 g ethylbenzene is stirred at 60° C. After 60 min., the reaction is terminated by pouring the mixture into 30 ml of a solution of 10% Na₂SO₃ in water. The flask is washed twice with 20 ml ethyl acetate in total, which is added to the water/reaction mixture. The organic layer is separated and washed twice with 40 ml water in total. Distillation of solvent yields 1.46 g (97% of theory) of the above product (purity 95%, GC).

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of

A mixture of 0.85 ml 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-propoxypiperidine, 4.67 ml of a 53.4% solution of tert.butyl hydroperoxide in decane, 25 mg CuCl₂ (as a 1% solution in ethanol) and 3.83 g cyclohexene is stirred at 60° C. After 12 min., the reaction is terminated and the product recovered as described in example 1. Distillation of solvent yields 1.05 g (95% of theory) of the above product (purity more than 98%, GC).

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of

A mixture of 0.85 ml 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-propoxypiperidine, 4.67 ml of a 53.4% solution of tert.butyl hydroperoxide in decane, 100 mg CuCl₂ (as a 1% solution in ethanol) and 3.92 g cyclohexane is stirred at 60° C. After 200 min., the reaction is terminated and the product recovered as described in example 1. Distillation of solvent yields 0.90 g (81% of theory) of the above product.

EXAMPLES 4-8 Preparation of

To a mixture of 0.53 ml 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-propoxypiperidine (=1 equivalent), 2.92 ml of a 53.4% solution of tert.butyl hydroperoxide in decane (6 equivalents), and 3.96 ml (10 equivalents) of 4-glycidyloxy-1-ethylbenzene, 10⁻³ equivalents of the catalyst indicated in the following table are added as as a 1% b.w. solution in ethanol. Examples 7 and 8 are carried out using iron instead of copper catalysts for comparison purposes. The mixture is stirred at 60° C. for the reaction time indicated. Subsequently, the reaction is terminated by pouring the mixture into 30 ml of a solution of 10% Na₂SO₃ in water. The flask is washed twice with 20 ml of ethyl acetate in total, which is added to the water/reaction mixture. The organic layer is separated and washed twice with 40 ml of water in total. The above product is isolated by distillation; catalysts, reaction time and yields are given in the following table 1.

TABLE 1 Yield and reaction times using copper or iron catalysts Example Catalyst Reaction Time Yield 4 CuCl  20 min. 85% 5 CuCl  20 min. 85% 6 CuCl₂  20 min. 83% 7 (comparison) FeCl₂ 180 min.  5% 8 (comparison) FeBr₃ 180 min.  6%

The enormous advantage achievable by the use of a copper catalyst is evident.

EXAMPLE 9

A mixture of 0.85 ml 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl4-propoxypiperidine, 4.67 ml of a 53.4% solution of tert.butyl hydroperoxide in decane, 25 mg CuCl₂ (as a 1% solution in ethanol; giving a ration catalyst:educt=1:2000) and 5.00 g 4-ethylpyridine is stirred at 60° C. for 2.5 h. The reaction mixture is poured into 30 ml of a solution of 10% by weight of Na₂SO₃ in water, the flask washed twice with 10 ml of ethyl acetate, respectively, and these washings are added to the aqueous reaction mixture. Separating the organic layer, washing twice with water (2×20 ml) and distillation yields 1.46 g (97% of theory) of the above product, purity 95% (GC).

EXAMPLE 10

Reaction is performed as described in Example 9, with 6.26 g of allyl-phenyl-ether instead of 4-ethylpyridine. This yields 1.56 g (96%) of the above product, purity >98% (GC).

EXAMPLE 11

Reaction is performed as described in Example 9, with 3.91 g of 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran instead of 4-ethylpyridine and termination of reaction after 8 minutes. This yields 1.12 g (100%) of the above product.

EXAMPLE 12 Preparation of 1-(1-phenylethyl)oxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine

A mixture of 0.5 g (3.2 mmol; 1 eq.) 1-oxyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMPO), 1.24 g of a 70% aq. solution of tert.butyl hydroperoxide (9.6 mmol; 3 eq.), CuBr₂ catalyst as described in the table below and 3.4 g (32 mmol, 10 eq.) of ethylbenzene is stirred at 60° C. for 1 h. In some of the preparations, 0.032 mmol (0.01 eq. relative to TEMPO) of a phase transfer catalyst as shown in the table is added. Reaction and work-up is done as described in example 1. Yield is determined by means of quantitative HPLC.

TABLE

Run CuBr₂ Phase Transfer Catalyst Yield 1 0.357 mg none 35% 2 0.357 mg 10.3 mg tetrabutylammonium bromide 73% 3 0.357 mg 14.4 mg trioctyl-methyl ammonium bromide 78% 4  7.15 mg none Amounts of copper catalyst 0.375 mg are 0.0016 mmol (0.0005 eq.); 7.15 mg are 0.032 mmol (0.01 eq. rel. to TEMPO).

This example shows that the reaction speed may be increased by adding a phase transfer catalyst or by greatly increasing the amount of copper catalyst.

EXAMPLE 13 2,6-Diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-1-(1-phenyl-ethoxy)-piperidine (101)

2.4 ml of a solution of 13.4 g of CuCl₂ and 4.24 g of LiCl in 153 ml of ethanol are added to a solution of 29.75 g (0.15 mol) of 2,6-diethyl-2,3,6-trimethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (accessable according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,599) in 92 ml (0.75 mol) of ethylbenzene. 28.7 g (0.22 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) are then added dropwise to the stirred mixture at 65° C. under argon. The mixture is then stirred at 65-70° C. until the red nitroxide colour disappears (approximately 3 to 4 hours). After cooling to 20° C., a solution of 12 g of Na₂S₂O₅ in 60 ml of water is added. After stirring for a further 60 minutes, the organic phase is separated off, washed with 2×50 ml of 20% Na₂CO₃ and 2×50 ml of water, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated by evaporation using a rotary evaporator to yield 41.5 g (91%) of the title compound in the form of a colourless oil.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.3-7.2 m (5H), 4.75-4.68 m (1H), 2.13-0.53 m (27H).

EXAMPLE 14 1,3,3-Trimethyl-2-(1-phenyl-ethoxy)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoguinoline-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester

-   a) 1,3,3-Trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-1-carboxylic acid     methyl ester-2-oxyl 111 ml (0.67 mol) of a 40% peracetic acid in     acetic acid are added dropwise over a period of 30 minutes at     10-20° C. to a solution of 78 g (0.334 mol) of     1,3,3-trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-1-carboxylic acid     methyl ester (see Synthesis 677 (1997) for preparation) in 300 ml of     ethyl acetate. The mixture is stirred for a further 13 hours at     20° C. and then diluted with 650 ml of water. The organic phase is     separated off, washed with 2×250 ml of water and then with 2×250 ml     of 10% NaHCO₃ solution, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated by     evaporation using a rotary evaporator. Chromatography of the residue     using hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1) on 1600 g of silica gel and     subsequent recrystallisation from hexane yields 44.6 g (54%) of     1,3,3-trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-1-carboxylic acid     methyl ester-2-oxyl in the form of orange crystals, m.p. 53-56° C.

For C₁₄H₁₈NO₃ calculated C 67.72%, H 7.31%, N 5.64%; found C 67.46%, H 7.28%, N 5.64%.

-   b) Analogously to Example 13, 3.14 g (89%) of compound of     example (a) are prepared from 2.5 g (0.01 mol) of     1,3,3-trimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline-1-carboxylic acid     methyl ester-2-oxyl, 20 ml (0.163 mol) of ethylbenzene, 2.25 g     (0.017 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) and 0.2 ml of     the copper(ll) chloride solution described in Example 13. Colourless     resin is obtained after chromatography on silica gel using     hexane/ethyl acetate (6:1). ¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), mixture of 2     diastereoisomers: 7.33-6.80 m (9H), 4.96-4.69 m (1H), 3.72-0.88 m     (17H).

EXAMPLE 15 1-Methyl-1,3,3-triphenyl-2-(1-phenyl-ethoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole

-   a) 1-Methyl-1,3,3-triphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole -   17.3 g (0.05 mol) of 1,1,3-triphenyl-1.H.-isoindole (see Zh. Org.     Khim. 2449 (1975) for preparation) are slowly added under argon to a     stirred solution of 21.9 g (1 mol) of methyllithium in 115 ml of     tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is then heated at 70° C. for 5 hours     and subsequently stirred at 20° C. for 12 hours. 100 ml of toluene     and 80 ml of saturated NH₄Cl solution are then added, and the     organic phase is separated off, washed with water and concentrated     by evaporation using a rotary evaporator. Chromatography of the     residue using hexanelethyl acetate (49:1) on 250 g of silica gel and     subsequent recrystallisation from acetonitrile/methanol yields 10.6     9 (58%) of 1-methyl-1,3,3-triphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole in     the form of colourless crystals, m.p. 106-108° C.

For C₂₇H₂₃N calculated C 89.71%, H 6.41%, N 3.87%; found C 89.67%, H 6.51%, N 3.80%.

-   b) 1-Methyl-1,3,3-triphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole-2-oxyl -   12.3 g (0.05 mol) of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (70%) are added to a     solution of 9.05 g (0.025 mol) of     1-methyl-1,3,3-triphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole in 60 ml of     tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 3     hours, then diluted with 50 ml of hexane and 50 ml of ethyl acetate,     washed three times with 100 ml of 10% NaHCO₃ solution and     concentrated by evaporation using a rotary evaporator.     Chromatography of the residue using toluene on 150 g of silica gel     and subsequent recrystallisation from hexane yields 7.7 g (82%) of     1-methyl-1,3,3-triphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole-2-oxyl in the     form of orange crystals, m.p. 119-124° C.

For C₂₇H₂₂NO calculated C 86.14%, H 5.89%, N 3.72%; found C 86.18%, H 5.89%, N 3.68%.

-   c) Analogously to Example 13, 2.2 g (76%) of the title compound are     prepared in the form of colourless crystals (pentane), m.p. 124-141°     C., from 2.26 g (0.006 mol) of     1-methyl-1,3,3-triphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole-2-oxyl, 20 ml     (0.163 mol) of ethylbenzene, 2.53 g (0.02 mol) of t-butyl     hydroperoxide (70% in water), 0.2 g of tetrabutylammonium bromide     and 0.25 ml of the copper(II) chloride solution described in Example     13.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃), mixture of 2 diastereoisomers: 7.95-6.66 m (ArH), 4.64-4.51 m (1H), 1.58 s (Me), 1.43 s (Me), 1.12 d, J=9Hz, (Me), 0.86 d, J=9 Hz, (Me).

EXAMPLE 16 1,1,3,3-Tetraphenyl-2-(1-phenyl-ethoxy)-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole

-   a) 1,1,3,3-Tetraphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole-2-oxyl -   22 g (0.089 mol) of m-chloroperbenzoic acid (70%) are added to a     solution of 9.5 g (0.022 mol) of     1,1,3,3-tetraphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole (see J.Org.Chem.     461 (1969) for preparation) in 85 ml of tetrahydrofuran. The mixture     is stirred at room temperature for 46 hours, then diluted with 50 ml     of toluene and 50 ml of ethyl acetate, washed twice with 100 ml of     10% NaHCO₃ solution and concentrated by evaporation using a rotary     evaporator. The residue is dissolved again in 100 ml of     tetrahydrofuran and is oxidised with a further 10 g (0.04 mol) of     m-chloroperbenzoic acid over a period of 20 hours. After the     addition of 100 ml of toluene, the residue is washed twice with 100     ml of 10% NaHCO₃, dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated by evaporation.     Crystallisation of the residue from toluene/-dichloromethane yields     12.55 g of 1,1,3,3-tetraphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole-2-oxyl in     the form of orange crystals, m.p. 250-253° C.

For C₃₂H₂₄NO calculated C 87.64%, H 5.52%, N 3.19%; found C 87.46%, H 5.58%, N 3.37%.

-   b) Analogously to Example 13, 2.39 g (88%) of the title compound 104     are prepared in the form of colourless crystals (hexane), m.p.     166-171° C., from 2.2 g (0.005 mol) of     1,1,3,3-tetraphenyl-2,3-dihydro-1.H.-isoindole-2-oxyl, 20 ml (0.163     mol) of ethylbenzene, 2.1 g (0.016 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide     (70% in water), 0.2 g of tetrabutylammonium bromide and 0.2 ml of     the copper(II) chloride solution described in Example 13.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.75-6.56 m (29H), 4.75-4.68 q, J=9 Hz, (1 H), 1.58 s (Me), 0.97 d, J=9 Hz, (Me).

EXAMPLE 17 Phenyl-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-acetic Acid Methyl Ester

4.2 ml (0.03 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) and 0.4 ml of the copper(II) chloride solution described in Example 13 are added to a solution of 3.15 g (0.02 mol) of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl in 14 ml (0.1 mol) of phenylacetic acid methyl ester. The mixture is then stirred at 60° C. under argon until the red colour of the nitroxide disappears (approximately 5 hours). After cooling to room temperature, a solution of 3 g of Na₂S₂O₅ in 25 ml of water is added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for a further 10 minutes. The organic phase is then separated off and the excess phenylacetic acid methyl ester is distilled off at 0.1 mbar. The residue is chromatographed on 100 g of silica gel using hexane/ethyl acetate (20:1) and then recrystallised from hexane to yield 3.65 g (59%) of the title compound in the form of colourless crystals, m.p. 83-86° C.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.45-7.26 m (5H), 5.21 s (1H), 3.65 s (Me), 1.64-1.28 m (6H), 1.23 s (Me), 1.14 s (Me), 1.07 s (Me), 0.72 s (Me).

EXAMPLE 18 2,2-Dimethyl-propionic acid 1-(methoxycarbonyl-phenyl-methoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-4-yl ester

Analogously to Example 17, 4.42 g (54%) of the title compound are obtained in the form of colourless crystals, m.p. 138-141° C., from 5.13 g (0.02 mol) of 2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-4-yl ester-1-oxyl (prepared from pivaloyl chloride and 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-hydroxy-piperidine-1-oxyl in pyridine, m.p. 94-97° C.), 14 ml (0.1 mol) of phenylacetic acid methyl ester, 4.2 ml (0.03 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) and 0.4 ml of the copper(II) chloride solution described in Example 13.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.44-7.26 m (5H), 5.19 s (1 H), 5.03-4.93 m (1H), 3.66 s (Me), 1.87-1.43 m (4H), 1.34 s (Me), 1.19 s (Me), 1.17 s (Me), 1.16 s (t-Bu), 0.76 s (Me).

EXAMPLE 19 (4-Acetylaino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-phenyl-acetic acid methyl ester

Analogously to Example 17, 21.5 g (59%) of the title compound are obtained in the form of colourless crystals, m.p. 160-161° C., from 21.23 g (0.1 mol) of 4-acetylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl, 70.4 ml (0.5 mol) of phenylacetic acid methyl ester, 20.6 ml (0.15 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) and 2 ml of the copper(II) chloride solution described in Example 13.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.44-7.26 m (5H), 5.18 s (1H), 5.11 s (1H), 4.15-4.13 m (1H), 3.66 s (Me), 1.93 s (Me), 1.85-1.26 m (4H), 1.58 s (Me), 1.35 s (Me), 1.18 s (Me), 0.75 s (Me).

EXAMPLE 20 (4-tert-Butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-phenylacetic acid methyl ester

Analogously to Example 17, 4.9 g (60%) of the title compound are obtained in the form of colourless crystals, m.p. 85-90° C., from 5.1 g (0.02 mol) of 4-tert-butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazine-1-oxyl (see Ger. Offen. DE 199 49 352 A1 for preparation), 14 ml (0.1 mol) of phenylacetic acid methyl ester, 4.2 ml (0.03 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) and 0.4 ml of the copper(II) chloride solution described in Example 13.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.42-7.26 m (5H), 5.19-5.18 bs (1H), 3.68 s (Me), 3.11-2.95 m (2H), 1.39 s (t-Bu), 2.25-0.73 m (16 H).

EXAMPLE 21 (4-tert-Butyl -2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-phenylacetic acid

2 g (0.0049 mol) of compound of example 20 are added to a solution of 2 g of KOH in 15 ml of methanol and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for 15 hours. It is then concentrated by evaporation using a rotary evaporator and the residue is dissolved in 15 ml of water and acidified with 4 ml of HCl (32%). The resulting precipitate is filtered off with suction and recrystallised from acetonitrile to yield 1.2 g (62%) of the title compound in the form of colourless crystals, m.p. 125-133° C.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.41-7.26 m (5H), 5.19 s (1H), 3.07-2.99 m (2H), 1.43 s (t-Bu), 2.35-0.72 m (16 H).

EXAMPLE 22 Phenyl-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-acetonitrile

Analogously to Example 17, 2.45 g (45%) of the title compound are obtained in the form of colourless crystals, m.p. 33-36° C., from 3.15 g (0.02 mol) of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl, 12 ml (0.1 mol) of benzyl cyanide, 4.2 ml (0.03 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) and 0.4 ml of the copper(II) chloride solution described in Example 13.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.48-7.25 m (5H), 5.55 s (1H), 1.66-1.35 m (6H), 1.45 s (Me), 1.16 s (Me), 1.08 s (Me), 1.00 s (Me).

EXAMPLE 23 Acetic acid 2:phenyl-2-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-ethyl ester

10 g (0.064 mol) of tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl, 52.6 g (0.32 mol) of 2-phenylethyl acetate, 100 mg of copper(I) bromide, 250 mg of tetrabutylammonium bromide and 16 ml of water are placed in a 350 ml sulfonating flask under nitrogen. With stirring, the mixture is heated to 50° C. and then, at 50-55° C., 24.5 g (0.19 mol) of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water) are added dropwise in 30 minutes. The mixture is then stirred at 65-70° C. until the red nitroxide colour disappears (approximately from 8 to 10 hours). After cooling to 20° C., a solution of 10 g of Na₂S₂O₅ in 50 ml of water is added. After stirring for a further 60 minutes, the organic phase is separated off, washed with 2×50 ml of 20% Na₂CO₃ and 2×50 ml of water and dried over MgSO₄, and the excess 2-phenylethyl acetate is distilled off at 80-90° C. under a high vacuum. The solid residue is recrystallised from hexane to yield 8.6 g (42%) of the title compound in the form of white crystals having a melting point of 39-41° C.

EXAMPLE 24 2,2-Dimethylpropionic acid 1-(2-acetoxy-1-phenyl-ethoxy)-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-4-yl ester

The title compound is prepared analogously to Example 23. 20.0 g (0.078 mol) of 2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin4-yl ester-1-oxyl are reacted with 64 g (0.39 mol) of 2-phenylethyl acetate and 30 g of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water). The crude product is recrystallised from pentane and 17.2 g (53%) of compound 112 are obtained in the form of white crystals having a melting point of 102-103° C.

EXAMPLE 25 Acetic acid 2-(4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-2-phenylethyl ester

The title compound is prepared analogously to Example 23. 10.0 g (0.058 mol) of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl are reacted with 47.6 g (0.29 mol) of 2-phenylethyl acetate and 16 g of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water). The crude product is recrystallised from pentane and 8.4 g (43%) of the title compound are obtained in the form of white crystals having a melting point of 68-69° C.

EXAMPLE 26 Acetic acid 2-(4-tert-butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazin-1-yloxy)-2-phenylethyl ester

The title compound is prepared analogously to Example 23. 10.2 g (0.04 mol) of 4-tert-butyl-2,2-diethyl-6,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-piperazine-1-oxyl are reacted with 32.1 g (0.19 mol) of 2-phenylethyl acetate and 21 g of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water). After working up, 14.0 g (85%) of the crude compound 114 are obtained in the form of a yellow oil.

¹H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃) mixture of diastereoisomers: 7.3-7.1 m (5H Ar), 4.8-4.7 m (1H), 4.6-4.1 m (2H), 3.1-2.8 m (2H), 1.38 s (t-Bu), 2.1-0.5 m (28 H).

EXAMPLE 27 Acetic acid 2-(4-acetylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-1-yloxy)-2-phenylethyl ester

The title compound is prepared analogously to Example 23. 91.4 g (0.43 mol) of 4-acetylamino-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl are reacted with 261 g (1.6 mol) of 2-phenylethyl acetate and 166 g of t-butyl hydroperoxide (70% in water). The crude product is dissolved in 500 ml of diethyl ether and then precipitated in 2.5 litres of hexane to yield 119.2 g (74%) of the title compound in the form of white crystals having a melting point of 109-110° C. 

1. Process for the preparation of an amine ether of the formula A

wherein a is 1 or 2; when a is 1, E′ is E when a is 2, E′ is L; E is a radical of formula (VII)

wherein X is phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, which is substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 D and optionally further substituted by NO₂, halogen, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; D is a group

a group C(O)—G₁₃ or a group C(O)—G₉—C(O)—G₁₃—; G₁ and G₂, independently of each other, are hydrogen, halogen, NO₂, cyano, —CONR₅R₆, —(R₉)COOR₄, —C(O)—R₇, —OR₈, —SR₈, —NHR₈, —N(R₁₈)₂, carbamoyl, di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)carbamoyl, —C(═NR₅)(NHR₆), C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or C₃-C₁₈alkinyl or C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl substituted by OH, halogen, NO₂, amino, cyano, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R22, —C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino or a group —O—C(O)—R₇; C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅ group; or are C₆-C₁₀aryl; or phenyl or naphthyl which are substituted by C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, halogen, cyano, hydroxy, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R₂₂, C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; or G₁ and G₂ together with the linking carbon atom form a C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; G₅ and G₆ are independently of each other H or CH₃; G₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; G₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; L is alkylene of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkenylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylene of 3 to 18 carbon atoms, alkylene of 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted by phenyl or by phenyl substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; or is alkylene of 4 to 18 carbon atoms interrupted by COO and/or phenylene; T″ and T′ together form a divalent organic linking group completing, together with the hindered amine nitrogen atom and the quaternary carbon atom substituted by G₁ and G₂, an optionally substituted five- or six-membered ring structure; and R₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, phenyl, an alkali metal cation or a tetraalkylammonium cation; R₅ and R₆ are hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by hydroxy or, taken together, form a C₂-C₁₂alkylene bridge or a C₂-C₁₂-alkylene bridge interrupted by O or/and NR₁₈; R₇ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₆-C₁₀aryl; R₈ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₂-C₁₈hydroxyalkyl; R₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; R₁₈ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl, which are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, OH, COOR₂₁ or C(O)—R₂₂; R₂₁ is hydrogen, a alkali metal atom or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; and R₂₂ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; which process comprises reacting a N-oxyl amine of formula B

with a compound of formula IV or V E—H  (IV) H—L—H  (V) in the presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic amount of copper or a copper compound.
 2. Process for the preparation of an amine ether of the formula A according to claim 1

wherein a is 1 or2; when a is 1, E′ is E when a is 2, E′ is L; E is a radical of formula (VII)

wherein X is phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, which are substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 D and optionally further substituted by NO₂, halogen, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; D is a group

a group C(O)—G₁₃ or a group C(O)—G₉—C(O)—G₁₃—; G₁ and G₂, independently of each other, are hydrogen, halogen, NO₂, cyano, —CONR₅R₆, —(R₉)COOR₄, —C(O)—R₇, —OR₈, —SR₈, —NHR₈, —N(R₁₈)₂, carbamoyl, di(C₁-C₁₈alkyl)carbamoyl, —C(═NR₅)(NHR₆), C₁-C18alkyl; C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or C₃-C₁₈alkinyl or C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₂-C₁₂heterocycloalkyl substituted by OH, halogen, NO₂, amino, cyano, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R₂₂, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino or a group —O—C(O)—R₇; C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅ group; or are C₆-C₁₀aryl; or phenyl or naphthyl which are substituted by C₁-C₄alkyl, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, halogen, cyano, hydroxy, carboxy, COOR₂₁, C(O)—R₂₂, —C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; or G₁ and G₂ together with the linking carbon atom form a C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; G₆ and G₆ are independently of each other H or CH₃; G₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; G₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; L is alkylene of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkenylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylene of 3 to 18 carbon atoms, alkylene of 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted by phenyl or by phenyl substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; T″ and T′ together form a divalent organic linking group completing, together with the hindered amine nitrogen atom and the quaternary carbon atom substituted by G₁ and G₂, an optionally substituted five- or six-membered ring structure; and R₄ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, phenyl, an alkali metal cation or a tetraalkylammonium cation; R₅ and R₆ are hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is substituted by hydroxy or, taken together, form a C₂-C₁₂alkylene bridge or a C₂-C₁₂-alkylene bridge interrupted by O or/and NR₁₈; R₇ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₆-C₁₀aryl; R₈ is hydrogen, C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₂-C₁₈hydroxyalkyl; R₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; R₁₈ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl or phenyl, which are unsubstituted or substituted by halogen, OH, COOR₂₁ or C(O)—R₂₂; R₂₁ is hydrogen, a alkali metal atom or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; and R₂₂ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; which process comprises reacting a N-oxyl amine of formula B

with a hydrocarbon of formula IV or V E—H  (IV) H—L—H  (V) in the presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic amount of copper or a copper compound.
 3. Process according to claim 1, wherein the compound of formula A corresponds to formula I or II

wherein G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄ independently of each other are C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or C₃-C₁₈alkinyl substituted by OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R₅; C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅ group; or are C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl; or C₆-C₁₀aryl; or G₁ and G₂ and/or G₃ and G₄ together with the linking carbon atom form a C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; a is 1 or 2; when a is 1, halogen; C₇-C₁₅ aralkyl or C₇-C₁₅ aralkyl substituted by C₁-C₄ alkyl or E′ is a radical of formula (VII)

wherein X is phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl, which are substituted by 1, 2, 3 or 4 D and optionally further substituted by NO₂, halogen, amino, hydroxy, cyano, carboxy, C₁-C₄alkoxy, C₁-C₄alkylthio, C₁-C₄alkylamino or di(C₁-C₄alkyl)amino; D is a group

a group C(O)—G₁₃ or a group C(O)—G₉—C(O)—G₁₃; when a is 2, E′ is L; G₅ and G₆ are independently of each other H or CH₃; G₉ is C₁-C₁₂alkylene or a direct bond; G₁₃ is C₁-C₁₈alkyl; L is alkylene of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkenylene of 5 to 8 carbon atoms, alkenylene of 3 to 18 carbon atoms, alkylene of 1 to 12 carbon atoms substituted by phenyl or by phenyl substituted by alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; T is a divalent organic radical required to complete formula 1 to form, together with the hindered amine nitrogen atom and the two quaternary carbon atoms substituted by G₁ and G₂ or G₃ and G₄, a five- or six-membered ring structure; which process comprises reacting a N-oxyl hindered amine of formula III

with a compound formula IV or V E—H  (IV) H—L—H  (V) in the presence of an organic hydroperoxide and a catalytic amount of copper or a copper compound.
 4. Process according to claim 1, wherein the organic hydroperoxide is a peroxoalcohol containing 3-18 carbon atoms.
 5. Process according to claim 1, wherein 1 to 100 moles of the compound of formula IV or V, 1 to 20 moles of organic hydroperoxide, and 0.001 mmoles to 0.5 moles of copper catalyst are used per mole of N-oxyl compound of formula B.
 6. Process according to claim 1, wherein the compound of formula IV or V is used in excess and serves both as reactant and as solvent for the reaction and/or wherein a further inert organic or inorganic solvent is used.
 7. Process according to any of claim 1 wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst.
 8. Process according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst is formed from an inorganic Cu(I) or Cu(II) compound dissolved in a suitable solvent.
 9. Process according to claim 3, wherein in the formulae I and III T is an organic linking group containing 2-500 carbon atoms and 0-200 hetero atoms selected from oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, halogen and nitrogen as tertiary nitrogen, and forming, together with the carbon atoms it is directly connected to and the nitrogen atom, an optionally substituted, 5-, 6 or 7-membered cyclic ring structure.
 10. Process according to claim 1 wherein the product formed corresponds to one of the formulae

wherein G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄ independently of each other are C₁-C₁₈alkyl; C₃-C₁₈alkenyl; C₃-C₁₈alkinyl; C₁-C₁₈alkyl or C₃-C₁₈alkenyl or C₃-C₁₈alkinyl substituted by OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R₅; C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by O; C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl; or phenyl; or G₁ and G₂ and/or G₃ and G₄ together with the linking carbon atom form a C₅-C₁₂cycloalkyl radical; Z₁ is O or NR₈; R₈ is hydrogen, OH, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₃-C₁₈alkenyl, C₃-C₁₈alkinyl, C₁-C₁₈alkyl, C₃-C₁₈alkenyl, C₃-C₁₈alkinyl which are substituted by one or more OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R₅, C₂-C₁₈alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR₅ group, C₃-C₁₂cycloalkyl or C₆-C₁₀aryl, C₇-C₉phenylalkyl, C₅-C₁₀heteroaryl, —C(O)—C₁-C₁₈alkyl, —O—C₁-C₁₈alkyl or —COOC₁-C₁₈alkyl; Q is a direct bond or a divalent radical CR₉R₁₀, CR₉R₁₀—CR₁₁R₁₂, CR₉R₁₀CR₁₁R₁₂CR₁₃R₁₄, C(O) or CR₉R₁₀C(O); R₉, R₁₀, R₁₁, R₁₂, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are independently hydrogen, phenyl, or C₁-C₁₈alkyl; T is CH₂—C(R₂₄)(R₂₅)—CH₂, wherein R₂₄ and R₂₅ together are ═O or independently are H, OH or an organic residue, characterized in that the linking group T in total contains 2-500 carbon atoms and optionally 1-200 hetero atoms selected from, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, halogen and tertiary nitrogen.
 11. Process according to claim 3 for the preparation of a compound of formula (I), wherein in the formulae (I) G₁, G₂, G₃ and G₄, independently of each other, are methyl, ethyl, phenyl or COOR₄; R₄ is hydrogen or C₁-C₈alkyl; L is a carbon centered radical formed from propane, butane, pentane, 2,2-dimethyl-propane, xylene; and T is phenylene or an organic linking group of the formula

E₂ is —CO— or —(CH₂)_(b)—, while b is 0, 1 or 2; E₁ is a carbon atom carrying the two residues R₂₄ and R₂₅, or is >N—R₂₅, or is oxygen, and R₂₄ and R₂₅ are hydrogen or an organic residue, characterized in that the linking group T in total contains 2-500 carbon atoms and forms, together with the carbon atoms it is directly connected to it and the nitrogen atom, a substituted, 5-, 6 or 7-membered cyclic ring structure, or wherein R₂₄ and R₂₅ together are ═O or wherein R₂₄ is hydrogen and R₂₅ is hydrogen or hydroxy; or E₁ and E₂ together are 1,2-phenylene.
 12. Process according to claim 1, wherein the organic hydroperoxide is tert-butyl-hydroperoxide. 